LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – An Arizona man was found guilty 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 last week. 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 was scheduled for August 5.
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. She was identified by the Clark County Coroner as Lily Kristine Hatcher, 22, of Boulder City. Her cause of death was ruled as drowning, and the report noted that she had recently used methamphetamine and cocaine.
United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson made the announcement. The case was investigated by the National Park Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Penetar and Brian Whang are prosecuting the case.
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