DATE/TIME: Friday, May 8, 2026, at approximately 2:21 p.m.
INCIDENT: Fatal Boating Accident
LOCATION: Windmill Resort, Parker Strip
DEECEDENT: Hoang Nguyen, 50-years-old, Resident of Fountain Valley, California
SUMMARY: On Friday, May 8th, 2026, at approximately 2:21 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a report of an unresponsive male near the Windmill Resort on the Parker Strip.
Upon arrival, deputies learned personnel from the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office, Buckskin Fire Department, and San Bernardino County Fire Department were already rendering medical aid to Hoang Nguyen, a 50-year-old male from Fountain Valley, Ca.
The preliminary investigation revealed Nguyen had been wakeboarding for a short period of time when he became fatigued and released the tow rope. The vessel towing Nguyen circled back to retrieve him however, he did not respond nor reach for the rope. During a second attempt to assist him, family members noticed Nguyen's head was submerged under water.
A passenger aboard the vessel pulled Nguyen from the water and discovered he was unresponsive. A 911 call as immediately placed, and first responders arrived shortly thereafter and initiated CPR onboard the vessel.
Nguyen was transported by River Medical Ambulance to the La Paz County Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
This investigation remains ongoing. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department extends their condolences to the Nguyen family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sergeant B. Whitmer of the Colorado River Station/ Needles Police Department at (760) 326-9200. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call or text "REPORT" to the WE-TIP HOTLINE at (844) 909-3006. Individuals may also leave anonymous information online using the We-Tip website link: https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
For press releases, news, and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Facebook and Instagram at SBCSDColoradoRiverStation or X at: @CORiverStation.
Refer: Deputy B. Whitmer
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Case No. 252600019
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
