Orange County Man Killed in Lake Havasu Boating Accident on Fourth of July
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.
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