Subject1 had rented a personal watercraft (V1) with registration on July 29, 2023 from Zephyr Cove. He headed out of the cove with his wife as a passenger seated behind him. Operator told Wife he was getting tired. At approximately 1408 hours, he turned port to turn around and head back to the marina. V1 was traveling less than 5mph. As V1 turned a large wave came up and caused Operator and Wife to fall off. They were both wearing personal floatation devices but struggled to swim because of the large waves. Operator became unconscious approximately 2 minutes later. Wife yelled for help. 

A short time later good samaritan''s vessel arrived and pulled Operator onboard. Chest compressions were conducted on Operator. Deputy from Douglas County Sheriff''s Office arrived at approximately 1415 hours from Marine 7''s patrol vessel. Deputy boarded and operated the good samaritan''s vessel back to Zephyr Cove. Wife was picked up by a different vessel and taken to Zephyr Cove''s pier. Tahoe Douglas Fire/Medical arrived on scene to take over medical care. Operator was pronounced dead at 1443 hours. 

Wife said Operator had 1 or 2 beers early that morning. It''s believed given the length of time, the amount of alcohol, and the size of Operator, that the alcohol consumed was not a contributing factor.

Operator autopsy results have not been returned as of 8/6/23. It is believed Operator died from drowning. Unknown at this time if there were any medical complications leading to the death.

Lake Tahoe
Zephyr Cove                   