San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies are searching for the operator of a boat suspected of striking an inner-tube rider on the Colorado River, an incident that left the victim with major leg injuries.
The collision occurred around 7 p.m. on June 20, just north of the Needles Bridge, according to a Sheriff's Department statement.
Deputies responded to reports of a serious boating collision and found the victim, identified as Nikki Wittine, a mother from Bakersfield. Wittine was reportedly floating on an inner tube when she was hit by a boat.
Her husband, Ronald Wittine, told ABC23 that his wife became entangled in the inner tube and, while trying to free herself, her feet became trapped underneath the boat and were pulled into the propeller. He described the injuries as severe.
Paramedics treated Wittine at the scene before she was airlifted to a trauma center in Las Vegas for advanced medical care.
Investigators have reviewed video footage submitted by the public from the day of the incident and believe they have identified the boat involved in the collision. Authorities are now seeking information to help identify and locate the operator.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Corporal B. Abell at 760-326-9200. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the WeTip hotline by calling or texting 'REPORT' to 844-909-3006.