Parker Live News from the Parker Strip since 2009.
Bullhead-Laughlin’s answer to the Parker Tube Float, the River Regatta, turned out to be deadly for a California man who died after jumping from a float into the fast-moving Colorado River. According to KTLA:
After receiving reports of a missing man Saturday, an air rescue team spotted a body in the Colorado River around 3:00 p.m.
Scuba divers from the Fort Mojave Mesa Fire Department recovered the body, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man was reportedly not wearing a life vest when he jumped from a float into the river.
It wasn’t clear if he was a participant in the regatta, or one of many people who floated alongside the event without registering, according to Bullhead City spokesman Steve Johnson.
The speed of the water current at the Regatta is much faster than at Parker. Parker’s event, held each June for the past 33 years, has been relatively free of such incidents, although many safety precautions are taken, including the presence of volunteer patrol boats, Sheriff’s Department patrols and on-site paramedics.
Our condolences to this mans family. This is our 2nd year participating in this event. And I applaud the rescue team, we were floating down river and were right next to the rescue team.We saw the helicopter and team of scuba divers go into the waters. I’ve grown up on the Kings and Kern River so ,I’ve tough my family to respect it and to always be aware of the undertow/whirlpools and to always have a life jacket.I thank god we are all safe and heading home. We Will be coming back next year! That’s Bullhead. ~Santa Clarita,Ca~
My thoughts and sympathy for the family’s loss. We too were there at the scene and witnessed the urgency of the rescue team searching. Their efforts were nothing short of diligent and determined. What a terrible tragedy and the unfortunate situation has been on our minds and in our prayers.
see my name up. guess we will see if the log in worked.
My first year at the regata. It’s to bad that some ones life was cut short by this terrible incedent. My families thoughts and prayers go out to the family who lost their loved one. It is everybodys responsibility to reinforce safety , the rules are there for a reason. Every body be safe.
We too were there thoughts n prayers to the famaly of the lost soul!!! This is my first year there n will b headin bak next year ass long as u fallow instruction u will b safe!!!!
Hope all families that go to the colorado river were life jackets at all times n b safe!!!
i am of this persons family it would be great if we could get some answers if any one saw him jump in the water please e-mail me at would be appreciated thanks Tracy
I witnessed the moments after the young man fell into the river. It is in a very dangerous area named “Big Bend”- lots of current/whirlpools. The police & fire dept. were on the scene immediately and did a great job trying to find the missing floater. Unfortunately, they only found the man after he had drowned- but, I have to say that they did an excellent job. They had so many people still floating by(some drunk,yelling, distractions)yet, their focus was on that missing gentleman. So sorry for his family- but, the “river” is unforgiving and this should remind us all to be safe/wear PFD when on the water.
This is all so unfortunate, but also is a very dangerous river float when you have human beings floating down river with blown up floates and big jet boats speeding up and down the river with big rooster tails. There is a lake 10 min. away from the river so why can’t they just detour these boaters for one day out of a year for the safety and pleasure for the River Regatta participants??????? Seems like a dangerous mixture to me. If anyone was off their float the boaters wouldn’t have been able to see them til it was too late and they ran someone over. I too was told there would be only boats that would not exceed the speed to cause wakes. We paid to be on the water and the boats don’t so why can’t that be one day to focus on a safe and fun fliied day to just float. I agree with the lady that stated the unsafe environment and rough waters due to these radical boats. They should really consider next year of stopping all jet skis and boats for those who dare to go back for more dangerous floating next year. It sure won’t be our group!!!!!!
2016 parker river float was a really fun event….but I agree that there were a lot of boats not pulling tubes..if your not going to pull tubes, you should stay on the opposite side of the floaters on the river, traveling at a speed of a no wake zone…period…my thoughts and prayers to all families and friends of this young man..MANDATORY LIFE JACKETS SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR FLOATERS..IT’S SIMPLE AND IT SAVES LIVES!!
I am curious to know the mans name — we ran into a group while having lunch at one of the beaches that had just lost one of their members when he got tangled in the line on the float — his friend said he got lose and was wearing a life vest and our group as well as theirs was hoping he just floated down the river and ended up with another group — I really hope it was not the member of the group we ran into…especially since this says he was not wearing a vest and the whole group said he was…As far as vests go there were plenty of “lifeguards” and police patrols that should have ticketed anyone that did not have a life vest on. They say life vests are mandatory but then they do not enforce the requirement. Also with that many “lifeguards” they should help people — I saw them helping a couple of groups but we spent the last half hour with two people paddling and three of us kicking trying to get to shore and then the yelling of the river is closed and move your stuff made for a less than enjoyable finish to the day…it was my first time and will probably be my last unless the organizers start organizing it better and stop being rude to the people that are probably bringing 1/2 of the money that town makes into the city on that day…In the end I feel for this family and am sorry that a person lost their life.