A Discovery Bay man was killed and a woman seriously injured in a personal watercraft (PWC) crash Sunday afternoon in the Delta, east of Discovery Bay in unincorporated Contra Costa County. The accident marks the second PWC fatality in the span of eight days.
According to Contra Costa Sheriff's Office spokesman Jimmy Lee, sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a PWC incident along Indian Slough at Old River Bridge at about 4:30 p.m. Jeffrey Rinne, 23, died from a blunt force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. Kelly Bradford, 21, of Byron suffered a brain contusion along with pelvic and leg injuries. She was airlifted to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek and was listed in critical condition.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the accident. Obviously there was an impact or collision with something, said Lee
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The first of the two recent fatalities in Indian Slough occurred July 19, when a 47-year-old Discovery Bay woman riding as a passenger on a PWC lost her life in a collision with a boat.
Marine Patrol Sergeant Doug Powell said the community of Discovery Bay has taken a hard hit over the past week: It's tragic. I've spoken with both families involved in the accidents and it's heartbreaking. I know that people are upset and hopefully they'll take a little more time and care when they're on the Delta.
It is possible to operate a jet ski safely and have a good time, and education is a big part of that. We just want people to go out and have a good time and come home safely to their families.
Those with information about Sunday's crash can call the sheriff's office at 925-427-8507.
Ruth Roberts contributed to this story
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