NAVAJO CANYON, Lake Powell, Ariz., Sept. 19, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah infant who died from traumatic head injuries suffered in a boating accident near Lake Powell’s Navajo Canyon in Arizona has been identified.
The victim was William Garner, 6 months, of Bluffdale.
The call for help came to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service at about 5:20 p.m. Sunday, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s office. When the boat hit the beach, an adult lost balance, and fell on the infant, causing the crushing head injuries.
The vessel had 13 people on board, including several small children.
“National Park Service Rangers were patrolling in the area at the time of the incident and responded immediately,” the news release said. “While transporting the infant by boat to Antelope Point Marina, emergency first aid was provided, including rescue breaths and chest compressions.”
With the assistance of the Page Fire Department, the child was transported to the Page Hospital for further evaluation.
The child was then flown to the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he died in the early hours of Monday morning.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Page Hospital to conduct an investigation into the incident. The continuing investigation also will involve the National Park Service and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.
