2 boys and an elderly woman killed in boating accident on Lake Powell

COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz., July 27, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – Two 4-year-old boys and a 72-year-old woman died in a boating accident on Lake Powell Friday afternoon.

According to a National Park Service news release, the three victims were among 11 passengers aboard a privately owned 25-foot pontoon boat that capsized around 3:18 p.m. while being towed by another boat near the mouth of Navajo Canyon in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

“Several of the eleven passengers were trapped under the capsized vessel,” the NPS said in a press release.

“Glen Canyon National Recreation Area rangers immediately responded and observed a member of the group on the pontoon boat and others in the water, with some of the group missing. Nearby boaters assisted in recovering the victims from the water,” the NPS said.

Two patients were evacuated from the scene of the accident, one by helicopter and the other by ambulance. Their condition was not disclosed.

Those who have died since Saturday include two four-year-old boys and 72-year-old Melissa Bean, the NPS reported.

“The incident is currently under investigation by the National Park Service, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

“No further information is available at this time.”

The National Park Service and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences to the families.

Gephardt Daily will update the story as more information becomes available.