Rescuers have recovered the body of one of two women who went missing after a jet ski accident at Sand Hollow Reservoir in Utah, while the search for the second woman continues.
The women, aged 26 and 28, had been visiting the reservoir in Hurricane with their dog when they were thrown into the water at about 4.30pm on Tuesday. One of them was four and a half months pregnant with twins, police were told by an acquaintance.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division found the body at about 3pm on Thursday after an extensive search. Authorities have not confirmed which woman was recovered, and their identities will be released after their families have been notified.
Police allege that the 23-year-old jet ski operator, Antonio Omari Lewis, was intoxicated. He has been booked on two second-degree felony counts of automobile homicide.
Lewis told investigators that the vessel struck a cross-wave, throwing everyone into the water. He said the women had urged him to accelerate before he made a sharp left turn, and that he held on to one of them for several seconds before letting go to keep himself afloat.
None of those on the jet ski was wearing a life jacket. Witnesses said Lewis had refused one earlier in the day, allegedly because he believed he would look foolish while working as a lifeguard. He was also reportedly denied access to another watercraft after declining to wear one.
A bystander heard cries for help and found the jet ski floating without a key in the ignition. The bystander pulled Lewis from the reservoir and also rescued the dog.
Rangers said Lewis smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and was slurring his speech when questioned. Police said he refused a preliminary breath test and a voluntary blood draw, but later told investigators that he had consumed shots of tequila throughout the day.
After being rescued, Lewis told bystanders that the women were dead and said he wished to die as well. That account has not been confirmed by police.
Utah Department of Natural Resources officials have extended their condolences to the women’s family and friends as the search for the remaining victim continues.
