An Orange County man tragically died on July 4th when he fell off an inner tube on Lake Havasu and was struck by the propeller of another boat, the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner reported. The victim, Eric James Lynn Norris, 30, of Huntington Beach, had fallen off an inner tube and was waiting for the boat that had been towing him to pick him up when he was struck by another boat. The accident occurred on the California side of Lake Havasu, near Havasu Landing Casino, at about 5:30 p.m.
Norris was pulled from the water by passengers in the towing boat. They immediately began CPR and brought Norris to Havasu Landing, where San Bernardino County Fire Department officials continued CPR. Norris died of his injuries before he could be taken to a hospital.
The boat that hit Norris slowed after striking Norris, but then the operator of the boat fled the scene and headed south toward Chalk Cliffs. Police received a number of tips from the public, and checked out three different boats, but all were ruled out. The vessel is believed to be a red V-Hull power boat with white striping. The operator of the boat was described as caucasian, heavy-set, with a moustache. A blonde female passenger was also on board the boat. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOAT OR ITS OPERATOR'S WHEREABOUTS IS ASKED TO CONTACT SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DET. TRAHIN OR SGT. SMITH AT (760) 326-9200.
Our condolences go out to the family of Eric Norris. For the sake of his family and everyone who knew and loved him, we hope that the operator of the vessel is located or turns himself in. We strongly urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement. A similar fatal hit-and-run boating accident occurred near Topock in the area of the Interstate 40 Bridge spanning the Colorado River; that incident has not yet been cleared. Hopefully, this July 4th incident will not have a similar outcome.
Boating Accidents and Wrongful Death Liability
While this fatal Lake Havasu boat accident remains under investigation, the family members of the victim may benefit from consulting with an experienced California boating accident lawyer about this Lake Havasu accident and the unique legal issues involved. A skilled lawyer can assist the victim's family in the efforts to locate the suspect vessel, and do everything to help the family obtain justice for their loss. A boating accident lawyer may also advise the victim's family on how to obtain compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one from the vessel owner's boating insurance policy. Damages obtained in a wrongful death claim can include compensation for funeral and burial expenses, anticipated future earnings and benefits of the decedent, and loss of love, care and companionship.
Sources: Inland News Today, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Havasu News, KTLA News, San Bernadino County Sheriff-Coroner
1979-2010 Eric 'Octopus' Norris
Eric will be dearly missed. Here is his memorial website: http://www.ericoctopusnorris.com/