MAY 26, 2015
LATHROP, CALIFORNIA
A boating accident on the San Joaquin River has left a child
dead and several others injured on Monday.
It is possible that the drought has lowered the water levels and has
exposed rocks that were not previously close to the water surface.
Investigators say 10 people—five adults and five
children—were on board the boat around 4 p.m. when it hit rocks and overturned.
Deputies say the impact caused all 10 to be thrown from the boat into the
water.
“One of the children either was struck by some rocks or was
swept under and struck by the prop and by the time EMS personnel had gotten
here, the child had died,” said San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Lt. Michael Jones.
At least three others on the boat had to be taken to the
hospital after the crash. The children were between the ages of 5 and 10.
James Reveira and his family were fishing along the river
when the accident happened.
“I got my sons out here, and it’s just real sad for the
parents,” he said. “You just gotta be careful out here by the rocks and stuff.
its fun but no where to play around in.”
Investigators say all the children were wearing life
jackets, but aren’t releasing any more information, including an exact age of
the child.
Charges are not expected to be filed.