Randall’s Island, New York — A late-night jet ski outing ended in tragedy after a woman was killed in a collision on the Harlem River, leading to the arrest of a New Jersey man accused of operating a watercraft while intoxicated.
Authorities say the crash occurred Saturday night near Randall’s Island and resulted in the death of a 26-year-old woman who was ejected into the water following the impact.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about boating safety and operating personal watercraft under the influence of alcohol.
Group Had Gathered on Randall’s Island Before Crash
According to court documents, Yeisson Reyes-Rodriguez, 27, of Passaic, New Jersey, spent part of Saturday evening with friends on Randall’s Island.
Prosecutors allege that Reyes-Rodriguez and four others were drinking alcohol and listening to music before deciding to leave the area after dark.
The group reportedly planned to travel back toward Fort Lee, New Jersey, using multiple jet skis.
Authorities said Reyes-Rodriguez was operating one jet ski with a passenger, while another jet ski carried a 26-year-old man and the woman who later died. A fifth individual was riding a separate watercraft.
Collision Threw Passengers Into Harlem River
Investigators allege the crash occurred as one of the jet skis attempted to make a turn on the river.
According to the criminal complaint, Reyes-Rodriguez’s watercraft collided with the second jet ski during the maneuver.
The impact reportedly threw all four riders from the two watercrafts into the Harlem River. Emergency responders were called to the scene, where crews searched for those involved.
The 26-year-old woman was eventually located floating face down in the water. She was pulled from the river unconscious and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts, she was later pronounced dead.
Prosecutors Allege Operator Was Intoxicated
Following the incident, investigators administered a breathalyzer test to Reyes-Rodriguez.
According to prosecutors, the test indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.141%, well above the legal threshold of 0.08% for operating a vehicle or watercraft.
Court records state that Reyes-Rodriguez told investigators he had consumed several alcoholic drinks while on Randall’s Island before the group departed.
He also reportedly indicated that darkness on the river made it difficult for him to see clearly before the collision occurred.
The allegations remain part of the ongoing criminal case and have not yet been tested in court.
Manslaughter Charges Filed
Authorities arrested Reyes-Rodriguez on Sunday following the investigation.
He has been charged with:
- Second-degree manslaughter
- Second-degree vehicular manslaughter
The charges stem from allegations that his actions contributed to the fatal collision that claimed the young woman’s life.
13-Year-Old Reportedly Climbs Out of Disneyland Adventure Ride and Falls Down 50-Foot Drop
During his arraignment, a judge ordered him held on $25,000 bond while the case proceeds through the legal system.
Investigation Continues
Officials continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including visibility conditions, watercraft operation, and witness accounts.
Fatal boating and jet ski accidents remain relatively uncommon but often increase during warmer months when waterways become busier with recreational activity.
Authorities frequently remind boaters and personal watercraft operators to avoid alcohol, wear safety equipment, and remain vigilant, particularly during nighttime travel.
As the investigation continues, loved ones are mourning the loss of the 26-year-old woman whose life was cut short during what began as a recreational evening on the water.
What are your thoughts on boating and jet ski safety? Should penalties for operating watercraft while impaired be strengthened? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.