Printable VersionSan Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has released composite sketches of the suspect boat and its operator believed to be involved in a hit and run accident on Lake Havasu July 3 that killed 30-year-old Eric Norris, of Huntington Beach, Calif.
 Submitted Photo/courtesy of SBCSD. The suspect boat (top) is approximately 25-30 feet in length, predominantly red with a white stripe. It has a V-hull and an enclosed bow. The suspect boat was last seen leaving the scene of the accident in a southern direction toward Chalk Cliffs. The suspect boat’s operator (bottom) was described as a white, heavy-set male with a moustache, wearing a hat. Also in the boat was a white female with blonde hair, earlier reports said. |
“We have not identified the boat yet, but we will continue to search,” Smith said.
The accident occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Lake Havasu near Havasu Lake, Calif., after Norris, who was one of two people riding on an inflatable recreational water toy being towed behind a boat fell off and was struck by a boater as Norris’ towboat was turning around to retrieve him. The suspect boat reportedly slowed after being hailed by the victim’s boat, then fled the scene of the accident.
The suspect boat is approximately 25-30 feet in length, predominantly red with a white stripe. It has a V-hull and an enclosed bow. The suspect boat was last seen leaving the scene of the accident in a southern direction toward Chalk Cliffs. The suspect boat’s operator was described as a white, heavy-set male with a moustache, wearing a hat. Also in the boat was a white female with blonde hair, earlier reports said.
During the incident, passengers in the towing boat helped retrieve the victim and immediately began CPR. Norris was initially transported to Havasu Landing Marina where CPR was continued until San Bernardino County Fire Boat arrived. SBCFD took over CPR efforts until the Lake Havasu City’s Fire Boat arrived to transport the victim to the Windsor Launch Ramps at Lake Havasu State Park, according to earlier reports.
Lake Havasu City’s on-duty Battalion Chief Mike Quijada said Norris suffered multiple and serious lacerations from the propeller and was unable to be revived.
Smith said about three years ago a similar incident occurred in the area of the Interstate 40 Bridge that spans the Colorado River near Topock. That fatal incident has still not been cleared, he said.
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, or any local law enforcement agency.
You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.
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