DATE/TIME: August 15, 2025 at approximately 4:36 p.m.
INCIDENT: Death Investigation/ Drowning
LOCATION: Colorado River/Pirate Cove Resort, Needles, CA
VICTIM(S): Adam Karpha, 24-year-old male, resident of Los Angeles, CA
SUMMARY: On Friday, August 15, 2025, at 4:36 p.m., Marine Enforcement deputies responded to Pirates Cove Resort, peninsula 7, for a report of a missing male subject in the water. The subject, later identified as Adam Karpha, was holding onto an inflatable tube when the current of the Colorado River pushed him away from shore. For reasons unknown, Karpha released his grip on the tube, attempted to swim back to shore and became submerged beneath the water and did not resurface.
Deputies conducted a coordinated water search of the area. At approximately 5:06 p.m., Karpha was located in approximately 12 feet of water. Deputy Poe, assisted by San Bernardino County Fire personnel, entered the water and recovered Karpha. Lifesaving measures were immediately initiated by deputies and fire personnel. Karpha was transported to the Colorado River Medical Center and was later pronounced deceased.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Deputy W. Poe of the Colorado River Station at (760)326-9200. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or leave information online at www.wetip.com.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department on Facebook and Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or Twitter at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy W. Poe
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760)326-9200
Case No. 252500067
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
