April 30, 2024 - LAS VEGAS – An Arizona resident was found guilty on Thursday for operating a jet ski in a negligent manner that resulted in the death of a passenger at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts presided over the two-day bench trial. Bryce Tyrone Verhonich, 47, was found guilty of operating a vessel in a negligent manner, failing to wear a personal flotation device, and failing to attach an engine cut-off switch lanyard. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for August 5, 2024.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 30, 2022, Verhonich and a passenger traveled from his houseboat on a jet ski toward the Hoover Dam. As conditions worsened, Verhonich made a sharp turning maneuver that resulted in Verhonich and his passenger falling off the jet ski. Neither Verhonich nor the passenger were wearing life jackets at the time. The passenger’s body was ultimately recovered from Lake Mead National Recreation Area on July 6, 2022.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Penetar and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case
Source: DOJ Release