Man who drowned in Colorado River identified
California authorities have released the name of the Needles man whose body was pulled from the Colorado River late Monday morning.
The San Bernardino County Coroner's office identified the deceased as Winfred "Bear" Hawkins, 54.
A coroner's report indicated indicated that Hawkins had been drinking with friends at Jack Smith Park in Needles.
"The friends left to ride personal watercraft and upon their return, found Hawkins on the bottom of the river," the report stated.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the specific cause of Hawkins' death.
