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PAGE, Ariz. — The body of a Sevier County man was recovered from Lake Powell Sunday culminating a three-day, multi-agency search for the man who fell out of a boat near Wahweap Marina Thursday evening.
Tim Ritarita, 26, was located about 10:25 a.m. Sunday by a Wasatch County sheriff's search and rescue team using a side-scan sonar that detected his body at a depth of 143 feet in the Kane County portion of Wahweap Bay in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, officials said.
“The search was brought to resolution thanks to support and collaboration from all agencies involved,” said Billy Shott, acting superintendent of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Ritarita and a companion were boating on Lake Powell Thursday and stopped their boat in Wahweap Bay. Ritarita, for an unknown reason, fell overboard and disappeared from view a few minutes later, according to Kane County and federal officials. His companion circled the area and threw floatation devices into the water hoping Ritarita would grab hold.
In the meantime, help was summoned and the National Park Service and Classic Life Guard Aviation was on scene within 17 minutes.
The search continued into the night and into Friday with occasional interruptions due to hazardous weather. The water in the search area averages 127 feet deep, which presented additional challenges, officials said.
The Utah Highway Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary also participated in the search.
Kane County Sheriff’s Office, Utah State Parks and the National Park Service are participating in a joint investigation of the incident.
Friends of Ritarita have established an account to assist the family at *gofundme.com/timritaritafund.
"Only a few days ago our classmate, teammate, hunting/fishing, and roping buddy was involved in an unfortunate accident that's left us all heartbroken. Tim was one of those amazing, well respected friends that would give the shirt off his back to anyone, and was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed greatly and thought of often by everyone that knew him," friends wrote on the site.
Contributing: Nicole Vowell
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
