Death a result of boating accident

Investigators Sunday were still delving into the circumstances of a boating accident on Topaz Lake that claimed the life of a 19-year-old man.

The victim died Saturday after the boat he was a passenger on collided with another boat.

Police haven't released the name of the victim.

In all, six people were involved in the accident, said Chris Healey, State of Nevada Division of Wildlife public information office for the Western Region.

"(Investigators) are not saying one way or another whether alcohol was involved, they are saying alcohol was on the boat, but it's too early to tell whether it was a contributing factor," he said.

The Division of Wildlife will be investigating cause of the accident, he said.

The accident occurred at 3:40 p.m., right in the time line officials believe most boating accidents occur.

"Late afternoon is a dangerous time for boaters. In the late afternoon if you are drinking the affects of alcohol are exacerbated by that time of the day, the sun, the wind, the waves. Even if you aren't drinking, people are more tired and its usually the last run of the day," he said.

Although it is unclear whether alcohol was a factor, Healey took the opportunity to point out boating and drinking don't mix.

"It is illegal to drive a boat drunk, the same as a motor vehicle. People can drink in a boat. There is no open container law. But you cannot operate a boat drunk," he said. "You don't get a free ride because you're on the water."