Sheriff’s Sergeant Under Investigation After Fatal Colorado River Boat Crash That Killed Weston Stewart, 38
LA PAZ COUNTY, AZ — A tragic boating accident on the Colorado River has left one man dead and sparked an active investigation involving a law enforcement officer. Authorities confirmed that 38-year-old Weston Stewart, of La Verne, California, was killed Friday evening following a violent crash involving a 22-foot Cheetah powerboat. The crash has prompted widespread concern and an internal investigation, as the driver of the vessel has been identified as an off-duty sheriff’s sergeant.
The incident occurred late Friday near the popular river recreation area straddling the Arizona-California border, where families and boating enthusiasts frequently gather. According to early reports from the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office, the 22-foot performance boat was traveling at high speed when it lost control and collided with a riverside embankment. Multiple passengers were thrown from the vessel upon impact.
Weston Stewart, one of the passengers, was pronounced dead at the scene due to traumatic injuries. Others sustained various degrees of injury and were treated by emergency responders who arrived quickly after bystanders called 911. The exact number of injured passengers has not been released, but none are believed to be in critical condition.
The driver, an off-duty sheriff’s sergeant whose name has not been officially released, is now the subject of a formal investigation. Local and state agencies are working to determine whether alcohol, excessive speed, or negligence may have played a role in the fatal crash. Officials have emphasized that the investigation will be thorough and impartial, regardless of the driver’s law enforcement status.
“This is an ongoing and sensitive investigation,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department. “The death of Mr. Stewart is a tragedy, and we owe it to his family and the community to ensure a full and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding the crash.”
Weston Stewart was a beloved member of the La Verne community. Friends and family describe him as a devoted son, a loyal friend, and someone who brought laughter and light to every room he entered. He had a deep love for the outdoors and water sports, often spending weekends on the river with friends. What began as another joyful summer evening turned into a nightmare, and his sudden loss has left many in shock and mourning.
Tributes have poured in through social media, with friends remembering Weston’s easygoing spirit, generous heart, and sharp wit. Many recalled the joy he found in boating and how the river was a place he cherished—making the nature of his death all the more heartbreaking.
A memorial gathering is being planned by his loved ones to celebrate his life, and a fundraiser has been established to help support his family with funeral expenses and legal advocacy as the investigation unfolds.
This tragic incident also reignites concerns over boating safety on the Colorado River. Officials have issued reminders urging all recreational boaters to prioritize caution, wear life vests, and never operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The case is now in the hands of both local investigators and outside agencies to ensure transparency.
As the Stewart family and broader community grieve the loss of Weston, they are also calling for accountability, clarity, and justice. “Weston deserved to come home that night,” a close friend shared. “We need answers—not just for his family, but to make sure this never happens to someone else.”
Weston Stewart’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. His vibrant life, his kindness, and the mark he left on his community will not be forgotten.