Family Mourns; Woman's Body Identified After Lake Havasu Boat Crash

Arizona authorities, using divers and sonar equipment, discovered and identified 31-year-old Jennifer Renee Martin of Sherman Oaks three days after the crash.

By Adrian Arambulo and Alex Vasquez

""

A Southern California family is grieving after authorities Tuesday recovered the body of a woman who died after a boat flipped on Lake Havasu over the weekend.

Arizona authorities, using divers and sonar equipment, discovered and identified 31-year-old Jennifer Renee Martin of Sherman Oaks three days after the crash.

"This is still not real to me," said Cynthia Fields, her mother. "I can't even explain the pain." 

Mohave County Sheriff's officials say witnesses called 911 about 8 p.m. Saturday to say several people were thrown into the water from a 35-foot twin-motor boat.

People on another boat rescued some of the victims, including an unconscious man who was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. He was identified by sheriff's officials as 51-year-old Bruce Buchanan of Redondo Beach, California.

Jennifer's triplet sister, Jacquelyn Martin, recalled the driver of the boat going up to speeds she estimated as 100 mph.

"I couldn't even open my eyes because he was going so fast," she said.Jacquelyn recalled her sister struggling with a life vest that was thrown her way.

"She was in such a panic, in such a shock," Jacquelyn said.

Sheriff's officials said alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation. The driver of the boat was cooperating with authorities.

The family said the tragedy could have been prevented and urged people to take precautions before going out to the water.

"Wear a life vest, and don't drink and drive," Fields said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Lake-Havasu-boating-crash-428354203.html#ixzz4k63kfhui