Three dead after pontoon capsizes on Lake Powell

PAGE, Arizona – Two 4-year-old boys and an elderly woman died on Lake Powell when a towed pontoon boat capsized, trapping several passengers.

The accident occurred Friday afternoon at 3:18 p.m., according to Coconino County, Arizona, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. It occurred in the Navajo Canyon area of the lake.

The National Park Service said another boater was towing the 25-foot pontoon on Lake Powell when it capsized in what was reportedly heavy waves. At least 11 people were on board the pontoon when it capsized.

Pontoon accident at Lake Powell leaves three dead and others injured

Rescuers responded quickly and found one member of the group on the boat, several others in the water, and more missing. According to the press release, other boaters helped rescue people from the water.

A 72-year-old woman, Melissa Bean, and two 4-year-old boys were pronounced dead. Neither Coconino County nor the park service released the identities of the boys. It was not immediately clear if the victims drowned or suffered other injuries that led to their deaths. Emergency responders transported at least two other people to area hospitals. The sheriff’s department said one of the minors was in critical condition.

Several agencies assisted in the rescue effort, including Big Water Fire, the Kane County Sheriff’s Department in Utah and the Page, Arizona Fire Department.

The National Park Service will investigate the accident together with Coconino County authorities.

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