Mohave County Sheriff's Office divers found the body of a 16-year-old Canoga Park boy was found at the bottom of Lake Havasu on Monday morning.
According to a department release, the deceased victim, identified as Isaiah Benz, was located at 10:17 a.m. by divers using sonar technology in about 35 feet of water.
On Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office Division of Boating Safety and Dive Rescue and Recovery Team responded to a report that a teen had gone underwater, and had not resurfaced.
Upon deputy’s arrival, they immediately donned scuba gear, and entered the water to search for Benz. Other deputies that arrived on scene began rendering aid to one subject who had suffered a laceration from a propeller, along with two other subjects who nearly drowned.
Through investigations, it was determined that the group, who are from Palm Springs and Canoga Park, CA were on a rented pontoon and had stopped in the South Basin of Lake Havasu.
The group voluntarily exited the boat to go swimming. Due to the high winds, the boat and its group became separated from Benz, who began struggling in the water.
The group boarded their boat in an attempt to retrieve Benz.
While the boat was being operated towards Benz, an adult male fell from the back of the boat where he was struck by the propeller.
The involved boat was able to retrieve the adult with the propeller laceration, while two more subjects from the boat jumped back in the water, and attempted to swim to Benz, who was struggling in the water.
During the attempted rescue, both of the subjects began to struggle in the water while attempting to save Benz.
Both were able to exit the water after nearly drowning. The adult male with the propeller injury, along with the two subjects who nearly drowned, were transported to land by the Lake Havasu City Fire Boat, where they were transported to a local hospital in stable condition. This incident is still under investigation.