MENDOCINO Co. 6/26/17 — Miguel Corona, 26, of Ukiah, died Saturday of injuries sustained in a boat accident on Lake Mendocino, the circumstances of accident are under investigation by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Yolo County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit.
One of the boats involved in Saturday’s crash, a 2002 23′ Malibu Wakesetter, black with digital camouflage and black sound tower. Courtesy of the MCSO.
According to a MCSO press release on Saturday night, June 24, at around 10:30pm one boat was leaving the north boat ramp at Lake Mendocino, as another boat came in. The two boats collided, an Corona sustained major injuries — he was pronounced dead on the scene. Four other people sought medical treatment for their injuries. One of the boats had as many as seven people on board while the other had three, though it’s unclear which boat is which, and the press release does not indicate which boat Corona was on.
Law enforcement is investigating whether darkness, the speed of the boats, or alcohol had were a factor, and if the driver of one of the boats fled the scene. Though it was initially reported that some people may have fled, it is also possible that they left to seek medical treatment.
Anyone with information can call MCSO dispatch at 707-463-4086 or the tip line at 707-234-2100.
One of the boats involved in the accident, a 1982 23′ Century Cuddy Cabin, Blue/Tan/White. Courtesy of the MCSO.
The following is the press release from the MCSO:
DATE: “June 26, 2017“
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Incident Number: 17-17962-CORRECTION OF DATE OF INCIDENT-
Crime/Incident: Boating Collision with Fatality
Location: Lake Mendocino, Ukiah CA
Date of Incident: June 24, 2017
Time: Approximately 10:26 PM
Victim(s): Miguel Corona, 26 years of age, from Ukiah CA
Suspect(s): N/A
Written By: Lieutenant Shannon Barney
On 6/24/2017 around 10:26 PM the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office was advised by Cal Fire Dispatch of a reported boating collision on Lake Mendocino that possibly involved one deceased person and numerous other parties injured.
Responding Deputies learned the incident occurred a short distance away from the North Boat Ramp. There were initial reports of persons possibly fleeing the scene in a white sedan but at least some of these persons were later found to be possibly leaving to seek medical attention for injuries sustained in the collision. The Sheriff’s Office was told there were two boats involved in the incident, both are pictured below. One boat may have had as many as 7 persons on board while the second boat had three persons on board at the time of the incident.
Reports indicate one of the boats had just left the north boat ramp dock as the other boat was approaching the area of the dock when they collided.One person, Miguel Corona, 26 years of age, from Ukiah sustained major injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene when first responders arrived. Four other persons involved in the collision sought medical treatment for injuries ranging from minor to moderate.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office Detective Unit is actively investigating this case and is being assisted by the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit. This investigation is looking into the possibility of whether or not alcohol played a factor in the collision, what significance darkness and speed of the boats might have played in the collision, and whether or not the driver of one boat might have fled the scene, as had been rumored initially.
The Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office is requesting anyone who may have witnessed the actual incident, witnessed boating activity of the two boats prior to the incident, or other pertinent information to please contact the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center at 707-463-4086 or the tip line at 707-234-2100.
Approved by: Lieutenant Shannon Barney
Editor’s note: Two press releases were issued by the sheriff’s department, but the first had a typo, which gave the wrong date. This press release contains the correct date, but has been slightly edited for clarity, to remove notes included in it explaining the correction.
