San Marcos Man Drowns in Colorado River During Birthday Boating Trip

Family urges water safety after 26-year-old's tragic death

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:12am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of a boat on a river, with soft, out-of-focus light and color creating a serene, contemplative mood that reflects the story's themes of loss and the importance of water safety.A family's heartbreak over a preventable tragedy highlights the need for improved water safety measures.San Marcos Today

A 26-year-old San Marcos man drowned in the Colorado River in Arizona while trying to retrieve a hat that blew off during a birthday boating trip. Despite being a strong swimmer, the river's strong current pulled him under, and his body was recovered about an hour later. Loved ones are now mourning his loss and calling for mandatory life jacket policies in high-risk areas to prevent similar tragedies.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of water safety, especially when engaging in recreational activities like boating. It also raises questions about whether more regulations are needed to ensure people wear life jackets in dangerous waterways to prevent drownings.

The details

Kris Logan was celebrating his birthday on a pontoon boat with five other people near the Arizona-Nevada border in Bullhead City, Arizona. When a gust of wind blew off his favorite fishing hat, Logan jumped into the river to retrieve it, despite warnings from his friends. Although Logan was a strong swimmer, the river's strong current pulled him under, and his body was recovered about an hour later by dive teams.

  • On Monday morning, Kris Logan was boating on the Colorado River near Bullhead City, Arizona.
  • A gust of wind blew off Logan's hat, and he jumped into the river to retrieve it.
  • Logan's body was recovered about an hour later by dive teams.

The players

Kris Logan

A 26-year-old San Marcos man who drowned in the Colorado River while trying to retrieve a hat during a birthday boating trip.

Brooke Twyman

A friend who was on the boat with Kris Logan and witnessed him jump into the river.

Linda Logan

Kris Logan's mother, who is now mourning his loss and urging others to wear life jackets.

Ralynn Donnarumma

Kris Logan's partner of 7 years, who is also grieving his death.

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What they’re saying

“I was like, 'I'll buy you another hat, don't jump in.' Right after that, he jumped in. I looked back and didn't see him anymore. My heart just dropped.”

— Brooke Twyman, Friend

“In shock, disbelief. I'm broken.”

— Linda Logan, Kris Logan's mother

“He was my everything. He was my life. I'm not okay with waking up in the morning and him not being here. I'm not okay with going to bed and him not being here.”

— Ralynn Donnarumma, Kris Logan's partner

“He loved boats and being near the water. It was his happy place.”

— Linda Logan, Kris Logan's mother

“Wear your damn life jacket. It will save your life. I'm mad that he didn't. He knew better.”

— Ralynn Donnarumma, Kris Logan's partner

What’s next

Loved ones have started an online petition calling for measures in Bullhead City to make life jackets mandatory in high-risk areas. A GoFundMe campaign has also been started to help Logan's family with funeral and other expenses.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of water safety and the need for stricter regulations around life jacket usage, especially in dangerous waterways. It serves as a sobering reminder that even strong swimmers can be overcome by powerful currents, and that wearing a life jacket can mean the difference between life and death.