On Friday, July 25, 2025, a tragic boating accident occurred on the Colorado River near Needles, California, resulting in the death of 38-year-old Weston Stewart. The incident involved a collision between a 22-foot Cheetah deck boat and an 18-foot Sanger vessel that was adrift south of the Needles Bridge. Stewart, a resident of La Verne, California, was a passenger on the Sanger boat. He sustained severe injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The operator of the Cheetah boat, 43-year-old Bruce Southworth of Yucaipa, California, was arrested at the scene. Southworth is an off-duty deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He was booked on charges of negligent use of a watercraft while intoxicated, causing injury. Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Following the incident, Southworth was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard to determine the circumstances leading to the collision. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will be forwarded to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
This incident has drawn attention to the dangers of boating under the influence of alcohol. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, approximately half of all boating fatalities involve alcohol consumption. The marine environment can exacerbate the effects of alcohol, impairing judgment and reaction times more rapidly than on land.
The family of Weston Stewart may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional distress. Legal experts suggest that, in addition to criminal charges, civil litigation can help hold responsible parties accountable and provide financial relief to the victim’s family.
As the investigation continues, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses can contact the Sheriff’s Department at (760) 326-9200.
