Girl, 11, dies in Jet Ski collision on Colorado River

By DAVE HAWKINS

SPECIAL TO LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

An 11-year-old girl died after a Jet Ski collision Saturday on the Colorado River just south of Laughlin.

The girl, Samanatha Nguyen, died of her injuries at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City.

Three people were aboard each of two Jet Skis that were following one another on the river near the Emerald Bay Golf Course about 11:40 a.m., said Doug Nielsen, a spokesman with the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

One Jet Ski, operated by a male juvenile, ran over the top of the other after it slowed and stopped in the river ahead of him, Nielsen said. All of those involved in the collision were related to one another and reside in southern California, he said. Another 11-year-old girl and a 45-year old man were hospitalized at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas.

Nielsen said alcohol was not a factor in the crash and that no citations or charges are expected.