Jet Ski Crashes Into Swimmers, Killing RivCo Man: Report

CORONA, CA — A Riverside County man swimming in the Colorado River was struck and killed by an out-of-control jet ski driver on the 4th of July in Bullhead City, Arizona, authorities say.

Ricardo Aponte Almanza, 43 of Corona, was airlifted from a Bullhead City hospital to a Las Vegas hospital after the crash and later died Wednesday, according to Bullhead City police investigators.

Three others suffered moderate to severe injuries in the deadly jet ski crash. All were taken to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center where two were treated and released. The third, Jose Rivas, 21 of Los Angeles, was airlifted to a Las Vegas hospital where he remains in unknown condition.

No charges have been filed, though the jet ski driver's blood is being tested for intoxication, according to officials. Mohave County Attorney's Office for further decisions on any charges, investigators say.

On the 4th of July, just before 5 p.m., emergency crews arrived at a swim area of Community Park in Bullhead City to find the victims of the jet ski crash incident.

Police identified the driver as Iridian Jazmin Basoco, 26 of Las Vegas, a novice rider on a rented ski. According to reports, she allegedly lost control and entered the "swim only" area where she struck the victims.

"Basoco was using a rented jet ski from a Bullhead City business," police reported. "Her signature was on the City mandated consumer protection form and she was wearing a business wristband as required by City law."

It is a city ordinance that all who rent watercraft watch a city safety video and wear wristbands acknowledging that they have done so, according to the department.