Weston Stewart Killed in Colorado River Boat Crash; Operator Charged with DWI
NEEDLES, CA, (July 25, 2025) - Weston Stewart, 38, of La Verne, tragically lost his life Friday in a boating accident on the Colorado River near Needles, allegedly caused by an intoxicated boat operator. According to authorities, Stewart was a passenger on a 22-foot Cheetah deck boat that collided with an 18-foot Sanger vessel adrift just south of the Needles Bridge around 5:30 p.m.
Weston Stewart tragically lost his life Friday in a boating accident on the Colorado River involving an alleged intoxicated operator.
Stewart was transported to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to his injuries. The operator of the boat, 43-year-old Bruce Southworth—an off-duty San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy—was arrested at the scene. He was booked for negligent operation of a watercraft while intoxicated, causing injury.
Southworth has since been placed on administrative leave. The incident remains under active investigation.
FATAL BOAT CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is a leading factor in fatal boating accidents, contributing to approximately half of all boating deaths. The unique stressors of the marine environment—such as motion, sun exposure, wind, and engine noise—can significantly amplify the effects of alcohol and impair a boat operator’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time far more rapidly than on land.
In this case, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal and a seasoned DWI accident attorney, stressed the importance of an independent legal review.
“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may pursue compensation through a wrongful death civil claim against the at-fault party,” said Bond. “In addition to law enforcement’s efforts, an attorney can re-interview witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and access phone or text records that may be relevant. These steps help ensure accountability and justice for grieving families.”
Bond added that legal counsel plays a critical role in protecting victims’ rights while holding negligent parties responsible for the devastation caused by their actions.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the family of Weston Stewart may be entitled to a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and other damages.
“A death is considered wrongful when it is caused by the negligent or reckless actions of another person or entity,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “In cases involving impaired operation—whether on the road or water—families may pursue a civil claim to hold the responsible party legally accountable.”
Bond emphasized that while no amount of money can ease the grief of losing a loved one, legal action can provide both justice and financial support for those left behind.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
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