Update: The story has been updated to include the name of the second victim, Gardner, who had not previously been identified.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The niece of a couple killed on Lake Mead over the weekend in a boating crash says her aunt and uncle boated on the lake nearly every weekend and were wrapping up their day in Callville Bay at the time of the tragic crash.
Brittany Farris says her uncle, Terry Farris, 48, loved the water and could often be found in his boat on Lake Mead. She says his death is devastating.
“He’s been a huge part of my life from birth. A lot of my best childhood memories are days spent on the lake camping, and weekends. That’s what we grew up doing. It’s a huge loss right now,” she said.
The crash happened the evening of Saturday, Aug. 12. at around 7:30 p.m. Family members said a larger boat on the lake crashed into Farris’ boat, killing him and his fiancee, 42-year-old Stacia Gardner.
The coroner said the cause of death for Farris was “blunt force trauma” and he was pronounced dead just before 9 p.m. Gardner’s cause of death was listed as “blunt force trauma and terminal submersion in water.” She was pronounced dead at around 8:30 p.m.
The Nevada Department of Wildlife is taking the lead in the investigation into the crash. According to the NDW, a man, identified as Paul Robinson, 57, involved in the accident was arrested at the scene and taken to the Clark County Detention Center.
Robinson faces charges of homicide by vessel, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, watercraft DUI, and failure to control watercraft. He is being held on a $20,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 8 a.m.
“Our thoughts go out to the family members of all who were involved in this unfortunate accident,” Game Warden Lieutenant Chris Walther said. “This is a grim reminder of the importance of being aware of our surroundings and keeping an eye out for other recreationists when we are on the water. And that boaters should always operate their vessel in a manner that takes into consideration water conditions, visibility, and the level of boating activity.”
