An Inland Empire woman died Saturday evening after becoming tangled in a ski rope that was attached to a sinking boat in the Colorado River.
The 30-year-old victim, Tasha Turner of Hemet, left with six other people to go tubing near Big River Park in San Bernardino County. During their trip, the boat lost power and began to sink.
The other passengers were able to safely swim away, but Turner was unable to free herself from the rope and was pulled underwater with the sinking boat, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Dive members from the La Paz County Sheriff's Office were unable to look for her the night of the accident due to bad conditions, including a strong current. A dive rescue team recovered Turner's body and the boat from the river Sunday morning around 7:00 a.m.
Authorities are investigating the accident and have identified the operator of the boat as 52-year-old Beaumont resident Umberto Bagnara. He has been named as a suspect.
They are urging anyone with more details about the incident to contact Deputy William Poe of the Colorado River Station/ Marine Enforcement Unit at (760) 326-9200.
Those with information can also submit an anonymous tip via www.wetip.com or by calling 800-78-CRIME.
