LAKE HAVASU, Ariz. — Two men died following a serious boat crash on the Colorado River near Lake Havasu, after a 25-foot performance boat reportedly lost control and struck the shoreline near Topock Gorge.
The fatal boating accident occurred Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at approximately 4:50 p.m., according to information released by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.
Boating Safety deputies responded to the crash after receiving a report of a collision on the Colorado River north of Lake Havasu. Fire and rescue crews from both sides of the river also responded.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was transported by air to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
What Happened in the Lake Havasu Boat Crash?
According to investigators, the boat was traveling north on the Colorado River near Topock Gorge when it lost control.
The vessel reportedly struck the Arizona shoreline before coming to rest in reeds along the California side of the river.
The boat was described as a 25-foot vessel, and authorities said speed was a factor in the crash.
The impact prompted a multi-agency emergency response, with rescuers working along the river to reach the occupants and provide medical assistance.
Two Men Killed in Colorado River Crash
Two men ultimately died as a result of the boating accident.
One victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second man was critically injured and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. He later died from his injuries.
The victims were later identified as 33-year-old Noah Welch and 53-year-old [second victim], according to information reported by Arizona’s Family.
Their deaths have left families and friends mourning an accident that unfolded during an afternoon on the Colorado River.
Emergency Crews Respond Near Topock Gorge
Mohave County Sheriff’s Office Boating Safety deputies were among the first authorities responding to the incident.
Fire crews from Lake Havasu and San Bernardino County also assisted with the emergency response.
The location presented additional challenges because the crash occurred along the river near the Arizona-California border.
Responders had to reach the damaged vessel and provide medical care to the two occupants while coordinating the recovery effort.
Investigation Into the Lake Havasu Boat Accident
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Preliminary information indicates that the boat was traveling at a high rate of speed before losing control and striking the shoreline.
However, investigators may examine additional factors as they work to determine exactly what happened.
The available reports do not establish whether mechanical problems, operator actions, environmental conditions or another circumstance contributed to the loss of control.
Until authorities release additional findings, the reported speed should be understood as part of the preliminary investigation rather than a complete explanation of the crash.
Where Did the Boat Crash?
The crash occurred on the Colorado River near Topock Gorge, north of Lake Havasu.
Authorities found the boat near the California side of the river after it struck the Arizona shoreline.
Topock Gorge is a narrow and scenic section of the Colorado River that attracts recreational boaters, making boating safety especially important in the area.
The accident demonstrates how quickly a recreational outing can become dangerous when a vessel loses control at high speed.
Lake Havasu Boating Accident: What We Know
The available information includes:
- Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Time: Approximately 4:50 p.m.
- Location: Colorado River near Topock Gorge
- Area: North of Lake Havasu
- Boat: Approximately 25 feet long
- Reported movement: Traveling north
- Crash: Boat lost control and struck the Arizona shoreline
- Final location: Reeds along the California side
- Fatalities: Two men
- Emergency response: Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and area fire/rescue crews
- Investigation: Mohave County Sheriff’s Office
- Reported factor: Speed
Authorities may release additional details as the investigation continues.
A Tragic Loss on the Colorado River
Fatal boating accidents can have a profound effect on families, particularly when a recreational outing ends unexpectedly.
For the victims’ loved ones, the circumstances of the crash are only part of the story. Family and friends will remember the men for the relationships, experiences and memories they shared long before the accident.
As investigators continue working to establish the full circumstances, those closest to the victims are left to cope with the loss of two lives.
Final Update
The Lake Havasu boat accident on the Colorado River near Topock Gorge resulted in the deaths of two men after a 25-foot boat reportedly lost control and struck the shoreline.
One victim died at the scene, while another was airlifted to a hospital and later died.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash, including the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s reported speed and loss of control.
Additional information may be released as authorities complete their investigation.
This article is based on preliminary information available about the Lake Havasu-area boating accident. Details may change as investigators release additional findings.