An Arizona resident, Bryce Tyrone Verhonich, 47, was found guilty on Thursday for operating a jet ski in a negligent manner that resulted in the death of a passenger at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts presided over the two-day bench trial, which culminated in Verhonich’s conviction. He was found guilty of operating a vessel in a negligent manner, failing to wear a personal flotation device, and failing to attach an engine cut-off switch lanyard.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 5, 2024. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 30, 2022, Verhonich and a passenger traveled from his houseboat on a jet ski toward the Hoover Dam.
As conditions worsened, Verhonich made a sharp turning maneuver that resulted in Verhonich and his passenger falling off the jet ski. Neither Verhonich nor the passenger were wearing life jackets at the time. The passenger’s body was ultimately recovered from Lake Mead National Recreation Area on July 6, 2022.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service, and Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Penetar and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case. United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson made the announcement of Verhonich’s conviction.
The conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of operating vessels in a safe and responsible manner, particularly in recreational areas like Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The case highlights the devastating consequences of negligent behavior and the need for individuals to prioritize safety above all else.
In the wake of this conviction, the community is left to grapple with the loss of a life that could have been prevented. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and education on vessel safety and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
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Key Facts
- State: Nevada
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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