BONNER COUNTY, Idaho — A boating accident on Lake Pend Oreille killed a 52-year-old Sandpoint man after he was thrown from a vessel that ran aground on Cottage Island, according to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.
Jose “Gomie” Gomez, 52, was ejected from the vessel and died at the scene despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders, officials said.
The accident occurred at 10:50 p.m. on September 20 when boat operator Sean Caldon, 54, of Sandpoint called 911 to report running aground, the sheriff’s office said. Caldon told dispatchers his passenger had been ejected and was missing.
Multiple agencies responded and located Gomez on land. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said. Autopsy results are pending.
The Idaho State Police and Bonner County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a joint investigation, according to authorities. Investigators determined alcohol played a contributing role in the accident, the sheriff’s office said.
Potential criminal charges against Caldon will be determined after authorities complete their investigation, officials said.
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