UPDATE 7/7/21: The Washoe County coroner has identified the victim in Monday’s boating incident as Myles Kawashima of Greenbrae, California. The cause of death has been determined as drowning.
LAKE TAHOE, Nev. – A 17-year-old boy died at Lake Tahoe Monday night after boating with friends near Secret Cove on the Nevada side of the lake.
The first distress call was received at 6:20 p.m. July 5 from a rented boat with 17-year-old and 18-year-old boys on board. The boat had been in motion and one of those on board had fallen into the lake, according to the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) spokesman. At this point in their investigation it is unknown how the young man got in the water. NDOW said the victim started struggling in the water right away and the others on the boat were able to quickly get their friend on board.
The boats for Douglas County Sheriff and Tahoe Douglas Fire were already off the water at the time, so the South Lake Tahoe Police Marine 1 crew arrived at the scene and performed CPR while transporting the victim to Sand Harbor. The Douglas County deputies returned to the lake and responded to the scene.
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office deputies met the boat at the dock and got the victim off and to an area hospital, but he did not survive.
NDOW is investigating what occurred in the water and on the boat, and the Washoe County coroner is determining the cause of death. It is unknown at this time if Cold Water Shock was the cause. NDOW said there is no outward indication of foul play.
Life jackets were on board but one was not being worn at the time of the incident (they are only required to be worn at all times by those 12 and under).
This article will be updated when the victim’s name, hometown and cause of death is released by the coroner.
The story was updated on Tuesday at 10:35 p.m.