Man Dies After Fall from Houseboat on Lake Powell

A tragic accident early Sunday morning on Lake Powell resulted in the death of a Utah man who fell from a houseboat. The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on August 25, when the National Park Service (NPS) Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Rangers were alerted by San Juan County, Utah dispatch about a missing person. The victim, identified as 41-year-old Jackson Roy Law, had fallen approximately 20 feet from the upper deck of a houseboat in Wetherill Canyon.

Upon receiving the report, NPS rangers, along with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, immediately responded to the scene. Classic Air Medical was also called in to assist with a helicopter search. Unfortunately, despite their extensive efforts, the helicopter team was unable to locate Law.

The search efforts continued throughout the day, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Dive Team was deployed to locate the missing man. At approximately 12:36 p.m., Law’s body was discovered. NPS rangers pronounced him deceased at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the fall and the reasons behind it are under investigation by the National Park Service, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, and the San Juan County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fall and the events leading up to it. The investigation aims to provide clarity on how Jackson Roy Law ended up falling from the houseboat, including any contributing factors such as potential safety lapses or environmental conditions.

In light of this tragedy, the National Park Service and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office have extended their deepest condolences to Law’s family. To help with the financial burden of funeral expenses and other related costs, a GoFundMe page has been set up by the family.

As the investigation continues, officials remain committed to uncovering the details of this unfortunate accident. The National Park Service and local authorities emphasize the importance of safety and caution when on the water, especially in recreational settings. The loss of Jackson Roy Law has deeply affected the community, and efforts to support his family during this challenging time are ongoing.