Head on at Topoc?

[185EZ]

Posted on Saturday, October 13th, 2018 at 11:20 PM


The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the community of the ongoing search efforts being conducted in regards to the last missing boater from the boat collision that occurred on September 1, 2018. Future Dive Operations were scheduled for October 18-21, coordinated with San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, and have now been rescheduled to October 18-19 and will include intermittent river closures for the safety of the divers. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is in no way discouraging the community’s efforts to create volunteer search teams, however, any future large scale searches conducted by volunteers should be coordinated with Mohave County Sheriff’s Office so as to not hinder any previously scheduled plans made by the Division of Boating Safety. Our searches have continued since the collision to include shoreline and top water searches, diving, Search and Rescue dogs, kayakers, drones, helicopters, and sonar. Our agency feels very strongly that this search will not end until Raegan is located, and our main goal remains wanting to bring closure to the family and the community.

 

[RiverDave]

Paging @RiverDave

I had no idea there was a funding problem!! Stacy just told me about this yesterday. I will start putting it together tonight! Does anybody have the contact to Bruce’s Legacy?

Does anyone have any kind of idea of how much we need to raise?

 

[Fun Times]

I had no idea there was a funding problem!! Stacy just told me about this yesterday. I will start putting it together tonight! Does anybody have the contact to Bruce’s Legacy?

Does anyone have any kind of idea of how much we need to raise?

Thinking you may want to investigate the quote below some before going in to deep just yet....From Post #647

Just read a FB post from Reagan's cousin not to do private searches and lot the LEO's do it.

 

[4Waters]

Thinking you may want to investigate the quote below some before going in to deep just yet....From Post #647

I think she means private like us jumping in our boats and looking.

 

[spectra3279]

I'm in. I can do 200 on friday

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[OceansideRide]

Paging RD

Perhaps this can be set up as a Venmo, PayPal or something to you, to avoid the fees that Gofundme and California State Franchise Waste Board charges? More money to the family? Getting 1099ed by GFM after a tragedy sucks.

 

[WATERDOG]

Paging RD

Perhaps this can be set up as a Venmo, PayPal or something to you, to avoid the fees that Gofundme and California State Franchise Waste Board charges? More money to the family? Getting 1099ed by GFM after a tragedy sucks.

Yeah. I just from out a few days ago I'll be getting a 1099.

 

[LuauLounge]

If the recepient of the funds is a registered not for profit organization, the 1099 is meaningless.

 

[Mototrig]

I'm in for $200

 

[RiverDave]

This was just posted
Raegan Heitzig Search-Lake Havasu

On September 1st, 2018, between the Topock Marina and Pirate’s Cove which is north of Lake Havasu in Arizona, on the California border, there was an extremely serious crash involving 2 boats on the Colorado River. Between the 2 vessels, it involved 16 people. It occurred around 8 in the evening. Live accident victims were picked up by other boaters as much as 5 miles away from the scene, due to the strong currents of the mighty Colorado. 3 of the 4 that lost their lives were recovered in the following few days. Raegan Heitzig was yet unlocated.

I was contacted by Tabby Grawbowski, who lost her husband, niece and 2 friends and was able to leave with Beth on a 28-hour drive on Thursday October 4th. When we arrived, we were graciously greeted by Deputy Cox, of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department. We were given a tour and information to get our search initiated.

We were put in contact with Harriet McLearen through Tabby. Harriet has been unbelievable and unstoppable in providing us contacts and exposure so that we have had a place to stay, meals and other needs during our stay. She is a busy woman who supports the community and is therefore supported by it as well. This entire community is above the norm in its support for each other and for us, to say the very least. The families, friends, total strangers, the municipalities and volunteers are amazing.

For the following morning, we were grateful to see our friends John and Matt from the Reno area, who live another 9 hours away from this search. They have joined us on other searches as volunteers as well. They have been an integral part of our team towards the west and are beyond generous. They are problem solvers, jacks of all trades, and have the physical and mental stamina to do many hours on the boat with us. We can simply not say enough about them.

The 4 of us set out the next morning with the assistance and escort of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department and their Volunteer Search and Rescue Group. They assisted us and kept us safe throughout the search. This is a busy area and their help was very important to us and deeply appreciated.

We began our search near the crash site and, over the 5 next days, we covered the 18 mile stretch of the river in likely areas with our sonar. We checked the deep hole areas, where it was unsafe for divers to dive previously, with our Outland Technologies ROV. Many Sonar targets were checked with the ROV as well. Visual magnified shore search from the boat was also done in all the likely areas. We also searched the mouth of the river approximately a mile out into Lake Havasu. We located 2 boats inadvertently by sonar, one was 27 feet long and one was 16 feet long.

Our last day was spent covering more sonar area and doing more visual shore searching. We also rechecked the Topock Marina and other docks nearby the crash site. Once we have covered an area, as we have done for this search, it is very hard to move on to our next search. This river area is very large and has an extreme current, making a huge amount of possible results for Raegan’s location. These results could take months to cover with still no result. We are saddened for her family and friends and have hopes and prayers for her earthly body to yet be located by some other means.

Paging RD

Perhaps this can be set up as a Venmo, PayPal or something to you, to avoid the fees that Gofundme and California State Franchise Waste Board charges? More money to the family? Getting 1099ed by GFM after a tragedy sucks.

Yeah I gotta figure that out for sure.. We did the lickity split fundraiser and raised quite a bit of $$$. I can't run another fundraiser through RDP, it's completely screwing up our biz numbers. When I get more information on this, and figure out what we are looking at to get them back here I'll let you guys know how to donate, or how we can raise funds.

RD

 

[Springfield]

http://www.havasuscannerfeed.com/mcso-missing-boater-search-efforts-update/

From today's newsfeed.

 

[RiverDave]

An update.. I called Bruce's Legacy and it went to voicemail. Said voicemail was full and could not leave a message. I sent them a note off of their website.

I'm going to get in touch with Officer Cox, and let him know that we have several boaters that are willing to donate time / equipment / resources to help aid in the search however we can.

I'm hesitant to do any fundraising until after I speak to Bruce's Legacy.

Stand by to Stand by basically.

RD

 

[monkeyswrench]

An update.. I called Bruce's Legacy and it went to voicemail. Said voicemail was full and could not leave a message. I sent them a note off of their website.

I'm going to get in touch with Officer Cox, and let him know that we have several boaters that are willing to donate time / equipment / resources to help aid in the search however we can.

I'm hesitant to do any fundraising until after I speak to Bruce's Legacy.

Stand by to Stand by basically.

RD

It is better to see how Bruce's Legacy would handle things. I would assume they have dealt with the funding issue, as well as the tax portion. I do not know Officer Cox...or any of the officers out that way, for that matter...Is he/they open to such outside help? I ask because as a whole, law enforcement has to deal with our, "problem children". What I mean is this, if you constantly deal with jack-holes, how do you know the distances which the good people will go? There are people here with good hearts, and people who mean what they say. I just hope the people in charge see these are honest offers, and don't dismiss them.
As for independent search by civilians, please don't make it a family affair. I would highly doubt at this point surface/edge recovery would occur. That being said, the cattails S/W of I40 are trampled...closer to shore, not the water...seemed opposite of what you'd think. You as an individual know your tolerance, or what you think you may be able to handle. If you have the slightest doubt, sit this one out. No one here will think any less of you, nor should any one else. Murphy's Law works in these situations too. It is either the best of the worst luck, or the worst of the best luck. Wanting to succeed as a group, but deep down, not wanting to be the one that causes the group to succeed. Things hang around in your head, and the light can shine on them at any time.

 

[lbhsbz]

You as an individual know your tolerance, or what you think you may be able to handle. If you have the slightest doubt, sit this one out. No one here will think any less of you, nor should any one else. Murphy's Law works in these situations too. It is either the best of the worst luck, or the worst of the best luck. Wanting to succeed as a group, but deep down, not wanting to be the one that causes the group to succeed. Things hang around in your head, and the light can shine on them at any time.

Lots of truth here....read it twice or 3 times before you commit more than monetary donations to the folks who do this for a living.

 

[RiverDave]

It is better to see how Bruce's Legacy would handle things. I would assume they have dealt with the funding issue, as well as the tax portion. I do not know Officer Cox...or any of the officers out that way, for that matter...Is he/they open to such outside help? I ask because as a whole, law enforcement has to deal with our, "problem children". What I mean is this, if you constantly deal with jack-holes, how do you know the distances which the good people will go? There are people here with good hearts, and people who mean what they say. I just hope the people in charge see these are honest offers, and don't dismiss them.
As for independent search by civilians, please don't make it a family affair. I would highly doubt at this point surface/edge recovery would occur. That being said, the cattails S/W of I40 are trampled...closer to shore, not the water...seemed opposite of what you'd think. You as an individual know your tolerance, or what you think you may be able to handle. If you have the slightest doubt, sit this one out. No one here will think any less of you, nor should any one else. Murphy's Law works in these situations too. It is either the best of the worst luck, or the worst of the best luck. Wanting to succeed as a group, but deep down, not wanting to be the one that causes the group to succeed. Things hang around in your head, and the light can shine on them at any time.

Well written and I understand the point you are making, and it's sage advice.

My intention is to try and get a hold of Bruce's legacy and see what it would take for them to come back and see if it's even feasible or not before moving forward.

RD

 

[LHC30]

RD, let me know if you could use some help with the fundrasing/accounting/.

 

[RiverDave]

RD, let me know if you could use some help with the fundrasing/accounting/.

I definitely will.. It's really not as easy as people think. The keeping track of the money etc is easy (we have a book keeper for that).. The influx of 10-20-30K dollars coming into your bank accounts / taxes etc.. That's where shit gets a lot more complicated.

We are still trying to deliver 1/3rd of the Lickity Split money.

 

[TeamGreene]

Can you use some type of escrow account?

 

[RiverDave]

Can you use some type of escrow account?

Not sure..

I’m gonna reach out to Bruce’s legacy again today.

 

[OceansideRide]

I definitely will.. It's really not as easy as people think. The keeping track of the money etc is easy (we have a book keeper for that).. The influx of 10-20-30K dollars coming into your bank accounts / taxes etc.. That's where shit gets a lot more complicated.

We are still trying to deliver 1/3rd of the Lickity Split money.

I appreciate all this greatly RD. When I suggested it, believe me, I didnt think it was easy. As a small biz owner in CA, I do nothing but paperwork and pay this irresponsible state government. I'm hoping Bruce's Legacy can just handle all the $ through their non profit.
Let me know of any help I can be. Great group of people on this board!

 

[RiverDave]

I appreciate all this greatly RD. When I suggested it, believe me, I didnt think it was easy. As a small biz owner in CA, I do nothing but paperwork and pay this irresponsible state government. I'm hoping Bruce's Legacy can just handle all the $ through their non profit.
Let me know of any help I can be. Great group of people on this board!

I'm hoping to hear back from them soon.

RD

 

[GRADS]

Again, has no one considered calling these people?

http://gralston1.home.mindspring.com/Sidescan.html

 

[RiverDave]

Again, has no one considered calling these people?

http://gralston1.home.mindspring.com/Sidescan.html

I don't even see a contact on there.

I left Bruce's Legacy another message this morning.

RD

 

[Bobby V]

I don't even see a contact on there.

I left Bruce's Legacy another message this morning.

RD

Its at the bottom.

The Ralstons offer the use of their equipment through the Idaho Mountain Search& Rescue Unit, as well as their company Ralston& Associates. If your need is immediate, please call (208) 362-1303. If we are out of the office, we may not have email access for several days. If you have a general question which may not need answering for a while, you may phone or email us at:

 

[Kaotic]

I don't even see a contact on there.



RD

If your need is immediate, please call (208) 362-1303. If we are out of the office, we may not have email access for several days. If you have a general question which may not need answering for a while, you may phone or email us at:

 

[RiverDave]

Well guys I just spent about 45 minutes on the phone with Keith from Bruce's Legacy. I'm going to tell you guys in advance this isn't really a question of money so there's not a lot of need for donations. He told me what he would do as the next step, and I'm going to make some phone calls.



RD

 

[cofooter]

Mohave County Sheriff's Office
1 hr ·
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is continuing our search efforts of the last missing boater after a collision that occurred on September 1, 2018. Today and tomorrow, divers will be in the water conducting underwater searches, along with continuous top water and shoreline searches. There will be a strong law enforcement presence on the water today, and intermittent closures are in place for the diver’s safety in several areas of the Colorado River and Lake Havasu. Please be aware of law enforcement vessels in the area and use extra caution when approaching these vessels.

 

[Riotact]

Well guys I just spent about 45 minutes on the phone with Keith from Bruce's Legacy. I'm going to tell you guys in advance this isn't really a question of money so there's not a lot of need for donations. He told me what he would do as the next step, and I'm going to make some phone calls.

Can you share anything from what his take is on the situation?


RD

 

[monkeyswrench]

I think RD will share when it is a good time to do so. It may be political, or for the feelings ot the family. There must be reasons to not elaborate at this point.

 

[Riotact]

I think RD will share when it is a good time to do so. It may be political, or for the feelings ot the family. There must be reasons to not elaborate at this point.

Yeah I completely respect that. I have followed Bruce's legacy for a while now and just haven't seen this scenario with him before his track record is very successful. A very sad and frustrating situation.

 

[Headless hula]

I spoke with River Dave about this earlier today. The long and the short of it is this.


I will be as delicate as I can here.

Considering the amount of time that has passed since the accident, the amount of traffic that is on the water, and the fact that the accident happened upriver from a wildlife refuge, the odds of finding her are very low.


Please take this for what it's worth.

It is a horrible situation, that honestly has no bright outcome.

Without getting into incredibly insensitive details here, please...


Let it be.
The sheriff's office has been adamant against outside folks doing a search. Let them continue their course.

 

[RVR SWPR]

A well Organized service on site could bring excellent closure for Family and Friends.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Although I, "Liked" Hula's post, I think none of us like the situation. By no means do I imply the efforts of those who searched, or are searching. I mean the accident, the loss of life, that is what I believe none of us like. The people involved are like us. We may or may not have known them, but we can identify with them.

 

[Headless hula]

I've typed out 4 different responses to this.

I keep deleting my words.








Sometimes there just aren't words...


Thinking about what has happened, what has been said, the effort put forth.
Makes it hard to breathe.







Her struggles and challenges are over. It's the rest of her family and loved ones that have to press on.


It's their pain that is troubling. All you do is go on. Make good choices, be good person.


Dont be a dick.


As many here that have lost loved ones. All that's left is the memories. You have to honor those lost by doing better. Being a better person, being a better spouse, son, daughter, father or mother.

Hell, I dont know.


Just blathering on.

 

[GRADS]

A well Organized service on site could bring excellent closure for Family and Friends.

Maybe not complete closure but I think at this point this is probably the best answer.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

There comes a time when the conclusion must be reached that she may not be found.

 

[JDub24]

Hula...

Thank you for putting this out there. The truth is there is no right answer and we all wish we could wave the magic wand and make this situation better. I can’t, and don’t want to imagine what these families have and are going through. What a tragic thing for any one person to have to deal with.

We can just hope and pray at this point that the families find some peace and can begin the healing process. In all honesty it makes me sick to my stomach.

I've typed out 4 different responses to this.

I keep deleting my words.








Sometimes there just aren't words...


Thinking about what has happened, what has been said, the effort put forth.
Makes it hard to breathe.







Her struggles and challenges are over. It's the rest of her family and loved ones that have to press on.


It's their pain that is troubling. All you do is go on. Make good choices, be good person.


Dont be a dick.


As many here that have lost loved ones. All that's left is the memories. You have to honor those lost by doing better. Being a better person, being a better spouse, son, daughter, father or mother.

Hell, I dont know.


Just blathering on.

 

[Headless hula]

Hula...

Thank you for putting this out there. The truth is there is no right answer and we all wish we could wave the magic wand and make this situation better. I can’t, and don’t want to imagine what these families have and are going through. What a tragic thing for any one person to have to deal with.

We can just hope and pray at this point that the families find some peace and can begin the healing process. In all honesty it makes me sick to my stomach.

In my opinion the only answer or response on this forum is silence. We are just heresayers.


I've been in touch with folks close to this that wont post.
Every post here is a dig at the wound. It's only making it more inflamed and prolonging the healing.


PLEASE!




Please...


Let it be.


No more.

 

[GRADS]

In my opinion the only answer or response on this forum is silence. We are just heresayers.


I've been in touch with folks close to this that wont post.
Every post here is a dig at the wound. It's only making it more inflamed and prolonging the healing.


PLEASE!




Please...


Let it be.


No more.

And with that, maybe this thread should be closed for now.

 

[4Waters]

Truly heart broken but very proud of the members here that are able and willing to put up money to help find her, a big thank you to RD for trying to get this fundraising together and for getting ahold of Bruce's Legacy, obviously there's more behind the scenes than we know about and we should respect the families wishes as that is what we all ultimately want to do.

 

[TITTIES AND BEER]

There comes a time when the conclusion must be reached that she may not be found.

Is there a chance that they would stop looking ? That would be sad

 

[69hondo]

A well Organized service on site could bring excellent closure for Family and Friends.

I think that is a great idea.

 

[j21black]

Well guys I just spent about 45 minutes on the phone with Keith from Bruce's Legacy. I'm going to tell you guys in advance this isn't really a question of money so there's not a lot of need for donations. He told me what he would do as the next step, and I'm going to make some phone calls.



RD

Reading through this, what LEO stated, and what someone posted what one the family members stated, I wondered if something else was going on. I just hope it's not what I think it is.

I pray she gets found soon. I can't imagine what this is like for the family.

 

[wzuber]

I think that is a great idea.

maybe those that wanted to donate to continue the search could donate directly to the family? I understand it's not quite the same but still would be helpful expression of your care and support at this point in the situation, I don't know, just a thought.

 

[buck35]

maybe those that wanted to donate to continue the search could donate directly to the family? I understand it's not quite the same but still would be helpful expression of your care and support at this point in the situation, I don't know, just a thought.

OR the local search and rescue itself.

 

[guest hs]

Reading through this, what LEO stated, and what someone posted what one the family members stated, I wondered if something else was going on. I just hope it's not what I think it is.

I pray she gets found soon. I can't imagine what this is like for the family.

Not sure what your getting at????

 

[troostr]

Not sure what your getting at????

Whatever it is doesn't need to be posted. Just drop it already. Pray for the family and friends, fellow boaters that are hurting. That's it.

 

[RiverDave]

Well basically the next step would be to get some shallow water boats and jet skis and just start combing the shoreline from the crash site down.

I was told by a couple of people that local law enforcement is against the idea of people doing that to help out.. why I have no idea. I left a message yesterday for the guy that is heading the search up to see what his thoughts were on that and if he wanted outside help.

After that I was going to call jeep dog since he has a jet ski rental biz and see if we had a couple members with the stomach for something like this and go look.

That said I would talk to anyone that wanted to volunteer before hand to make sure they know what they are getting into and what to expect.

 

[stephenkatsea]

Just a thought. Since we are now in the fall season, I believe there is a considerable increase in fishing activity, Snowbirds and bass fisherman. Much of this fishing takes place near the shorelines along the lake/river. That, in itself, may provide considerable additional attention to those areas.

 

[RiverDave]

Just a thought. Since we are now in the fall season, I believe there is a considerable increase in fishing activity, Snowbirds and bass fisherman. Much of this fishing takes place near the shorelines along the lake/river. That, in itself, may provide considerable additional attention to those areas.

I agree. That said if you don’t know what you are looking for you likely wouldn’t know what it is that you were looking at, which is the problem