LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ (AZFamily) — Tragedy struck on the waters of Lake Havasu earlier this week after a woman fell overboard from a houseboat and drowned as the captain was attempting to dock in windy conditions.
According to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), deputies were called out to the Cattail Cove State Park on Lake Havasu just after 2 p.m. Monday after a caller reported that a woman had not resurfaced.
Divers immediately went in and found the woman, identified as Rennea Thompson, 35, of California, in about 20 feet of water. First responders performed CPR, took her by boat to shore and rushed to Lake Havasu Regional Medical Center, where she died, MCSO said.
Investigators believe the captain of the houseboat was trying to re-anchor and was moving the boat while Thompson was on board holding onto the loose end of the anchor rope. The boat captain said he heard a splash and saw Thompson in the water.
Deputies said the captain then tried to throw a life ring to her and maneuver the boat closer before she went underwater, but it was too late. The captain said he tried to save her and pull her out, but reportedly couldn’t find her.
An official cause of death will be released by the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office after the autopsy is complete. The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.
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