The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a boat operator after a June 20 collision on the Colorado River near Needles Bridge left a woman with severe leg injuries. The victim, identified as Bakersfield mother Nikki Wittine, was treated on scene and airlifted to a Las Vegas trauma center. Her 15-year-old son reportedly helped rescue her after the propeller struck her legs. Investigators say community video reviewed on July 28 may have identified the boat and are asking the public for tips.
Search Underway for Boat Operator After Inner-Tube Rider Suffers Severe Leg Injuries on Colorado River
Law enforcement officials are searching for the operator of a boat suspected of striking a woman riding an inner tube on the Colorado River in San Bernardino County. The collision occurred at about 7 p.m. on June 20 just north of Needles Bridge, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies from the Sheriff’s Marine Enforcement Unit responded to reports of a serious boating collision and located the injured woman. The victim has been identified as Bakersfield mother Nikki Wittine. Officials say she sustained severe trauma to her legs, apparently caused by a boat propeller.
"My wife kind of got stuck on the inner tube. She was trying to jump off of it, um, and her feet planted in the air underneath the boat and got sucked in by the propeller, and the propeller grabbed her legs up pretty good," said Ronald Wittine in an interview with ABC23.
Emergency crews treated Wittine at the scene before she was airlifted to a trauma center in Las Vegas for advanced care. Ronald Wittine said their 15-year-old son, Bentley, acted quickly to rescue his mother after the incident; the family and local officials described his efforts as heroic.
Investigation Update
On July 28, investigators said they had reviewed video footage submitted by community members that was filmed the day of the crash and believe they have identified the boat involved. Authorities are now seeking information that could confirm the identity and location of the boat operator.
How to Help
- Anyone with information about the operator or the boat is asked to contact Corporal B. Abell at 760-326-9200.
- Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text "REPORT" to the WeTip hotline at 844-909-3006.
The family’s community has set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical bills and recovery expenses. Investigators continue to appeal to witnesses and boaters on the river to come forward with any footage or details that could assist the probe.
Note: Authorities urge all river users to follow safety guidelines and remain vigilant while boating or tubing.
Authorities are searching for the operator of a boat suspected of striking an inner-tube rider on the Colorado River.
The victim has since been identified as a mom and Bakersfield resident Nikki Wittine. GoFundMe
Paramedics treated Wittine at the scene before airlifting her to a trauma center in Las Vegas for advanced medical care. GoFundMe
Authorities are now seeking information that could help identify and locate menace behind the boat. Instagram/@mzroxie68
The family's community has come together in support, launching a GoFundMe to help them through this difficult time. GoFundMe
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