On Saturday, July 1, 2023 around 1700 hours, subject arrived at Canyon Lake with his family and recently purchased 1998 16'' Bayliner open bow boat equipped with a 90 horsepower outboard motor.

Subject1 loaded the boat with 8 passengers plus himself as the operator for a total of 9 persons aboard. The mandatory  USCG Capacity Placard affixed near the helm area indicated the boat was certified to carry 5 persons or 690 pounds. The total weight capacity for persons, motor and gear was rated at 1240 pounds. The maximum horsepower rating is 90 horsepower.

Subject1 got underway and traveled around the main bay for less than 20 minutes before entering the channel to go up the canyon. This was a holiday weekend and boat traffic was moderate at this time of day. After traveling approximately 300-400 yards up the canyon near Yellow Rock he encountered a large wake or wave that broke over the bow and swamped the interior of the boat. All 9 occupants were already wearing life jackets and as the top of the gunwale became closer to the waters edge they all attempted to enter the water and get to safety at the nearby shore. Due  to the continuous wave actions, the boat subsequently capsized. While they were in the water near the boat, they frantically conducted a headcount to account for everyone. They realized 87 year old had not exited the boat prior to it capsizing. He was seated in the bow area with two additional persons. 

A good Samaritan stopped to assist and located Victim submerged under the bow section of the boat. He removed her and brought her to the shore and initiated CPR. It is estimated she was submerged for atleast 5 minutes before being located. While on the shore another good samaritan boater arrived on scene and Victim was placed aboard that boat and transported to the Sheriff''s Aid Station where resuscitative efforts continued by MCSO Sheriff Deputies. 
Basic life support measures continued for about 30 minutes before Advanced life support measures arrived at the Aid Station. After about 25 minutes of Advanced life support measures she was pronounced deceased at 1854 hours.

After additional Deputies arrived at the Sheriff Station, they went out and located the capsized boat and towed it back to the Sheriff''s station. It was secured to the  dock for the evening. The boat was removed from the water the following day and examined for damage. The windshield was heavily damaged from after the boat capsized and it was crashing into the shore from the boat wakes and waves in the canyon.

Additional contents of the boat located after righting it included a large coleman cooler, ski rope and  Arizona Game and Fish loaner life jackets

It should be noted that Subject1 failed to transfer ownership and register the watercraft in his name after he purcahsed it approximately 1-2 months prior to this incident. 

The cause and manner of death of Victim will be pending a written autopsy report from Dr. with the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner. 


Nothing further.

CANYON LAKE
Mesa, AZ                      