Boat Accident Off Catalina Kills Son Of Former 49ers CEO

Michael Harris, 26, son of former San Francisco 49ers CEO, Peter Harris, was killed in a boat crash near Catalina Island the evening of September 6, 2015.

According to an NBC news report, the crash involved a dinghy and another small boat near Descanso Bay, about a quarter mile northeast of Casino Point.

Michael Harris and four others were aboard the dinghy. It is unclear how Harris died. His girlfriend was hospitalized with injuries, according to Harris’s family members.

Two other passengers in the dinghy were also injured.

Officials are still investigating the incident, but family members said a speeding boat hit the dinghy in which Harris was a passenger.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Michael Harris for their tragic loss. We also wish the injured victims the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.

Boating Accident Statistics

According to the California Division of Boating and Waterways, 39 fatalities and 260 injuries were reported as a result of boating accidents in California in the year 2014.

Out of 524 accidents, 172, were caused by collision between vessels in the water. The top causes of boating accidents in the year 2014 were operator inattention, operator inexperience and excessive speed.

Ongoing Investigation

Based on this news report, it appears that the dinghy in which Harris was a passenger and the other small boat collided, leading to the fatal incident. It is however not clear who or what caused this tragic crash.

Harris’s family members said in a Facebook post that they were told the other boat was speeding. But, officials have not released any information regarding that just yet.

It is unclear if operator inattention or alcohol or drugs may have played a part in this collision.

Liability Issues

An individual who causes a boating accident due to reckless operation or any other form of negligence can be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Victims and families of deceased victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury attorney who has successfully handled boating accident cases.

The best injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.