Jet skier on Colorado River loses control, hits 4 people in 'swim-only' section, Arizona police say
BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. - A California man has died after a jet skier lost control and crashed into a group of people swimming on the Colorado River on July 4, according to Bullhead City Police.
In a tweet, the police department said it's investigating the crash that happened at Community Park around 4:40 p.m. when a jet ski operator reportedly lost control and drove into the "swim-only" area, hitting four people.
Police say Iridian Jazmin Basoco, 26 of Las Vegas, Nevada was the person driving the jet ski. She reportedly rented it from a local business.
"Her signature was on the City mandated consumer protection form and she was wearing a business wristband as required by City law. Per City ordinance, all operators of rented personal watercraft are required to wear wristbands signifying that they have watched and understand a City safety video," police said.
As for the victims, Ricardo Aponte Almanza, 43 of Corona, California, was flown to University Medical Center trauma center in Las Vegas in critical condition. He later died from his injuries.
Jose Rivas, 21 of Los Angeles, California was flown to Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas.
Two other victims, a 34-year-old woman from Bakersfield, California and a 30-year-old man from Los Angeles were treated and released from the hospital.
"Once the investigation is completed and blood test results are returned, the report will be forwarded to the Mohave County Attorney’s Office for review," police said.