6 deaths reported at Lake Mead over weekend
Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials Wednesday reported six deaths over the weekend, days after the end of the holiday weekend.
Three people were killed in a multiple-car accident, two died by drowning, and one died of an apparent suicide, according to a news release which did not provide additional details about any of the deaths.
In addition, 23 people were rescued by park rangers.
The three-vehicle crash occurred around 6:40 a.m. Saturday on U.S. Highway 93 in Kingman, according to Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman Bart Graves.
A Pontiac sedan struck the back of a Toyota SUV as both vehicles were traveling southbound. The Pontiac rolled over and the Toyota went through the median and into the path of oncoming northbound traffic.
Graves said a commercial vehicle crashed head-on into the Toyota, causing both vehicles to catch fire and killing all three people inside the Toyota. The driver of the commercial vehicle and Pontiac were taken to a Las Vegas hospital.
“A criminal investigation is ongoing as well as the notification process for the deceased victims,” Graves said in an email Wednesday.
The Mohave County medical examiner’s office did not have the names of the victims of the crash as of Wednesday afternoon.
The Clark County coroner’s office also said 60-year-old Las Vegas resident Cristina Alvarado-Menendez died Monday after a drowning incident Sunday at Boulder Beach.
“Water levels are up, visitation is strong, and the majority of visitors are enjoying a safe, fun and healthy environment,” Lake Mead Acting Superintendent Mike Gauthier said in the statement. “Yet the tragic fatalities highlight the need to continually focus on safety and considerate behavior towards others when at the park.”
Park rangers also responded to criminal incidents, including assault, theft and drug use. They asked visitors to take safety measures including wearing a life jacket, driving the speed limit, honoring posted restrictions, avoiding risky behavior and respecting other visitors.
Visitors who see unacceptable or criminal activity are asked to call park dispatch at 702-293-8932 or 911 for emergencies.
If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a friend or loved one, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org.
Contact Tony Garcia at tgarcia@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0307. Follow @TonyGLVNews on Twitter.
