A 22-year old Torrance man died after a boating accident on Lake Oroville Friday, and the boat's operator was booked for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Daniel Lee Burkett died after falling out of a boat while it was in motion in the South Fork of Lake Oroville. He was run over by the boat and struck by the propeller, according to Supervisor and California State Parks Ranger Denise Reichenberg.
The operator of the boat, Steven Ettlin, 22, of San Juan was booked into the Butte County Jail for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter with a Vessel while Intoxicated. The court date for Ettlin's arraignment is Thursday.
An autopsy is scheduled this week to determine the cause of death, said Chief Deputy Coroner Lt. John Kuhn of the Butte County Sheriff's Office.
"We are conducting a criminal investigation," Reichenberg said.
Reichenberg said this accident was a tragedy and recommends all boaters take a boater safety course and learn about safety rules and regulations.
