Jet Ski Operator Arrested After Fatal Crash
A jet ski operator was taken into custody after reportedly crashing his friend’s jet ski while under the influence near Randall’s Island over the weekend. This incident tragically resulted in the death of a 26-year-old female passenger, who was found submerged and face down in the water.
The individual, Ason Reyes Rodriguez, 27, was arrested on Sunday and is facing charges for second-degree manslaughter and second-degree vehicular manslaughter linked to the deadly crash that occurred around 10 p.m. on Saturday in the Harlem River, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
Reyes-Rodriguez, from Passaic, New Jersey, had been enjoying drinks and music with four others, including the victim, on Randall’s Island until darkness fell, according to the complaint. The group chose to ride jet skis back to Fort Lee on the Harlem River.
Reyes Rodriguez was driving one jet ski with a 28-year-old female passenger, while a 26-year-old man was operating another jet ski with the now-deceased 26-year-old woman aboard. A fifth person was riding alone on his own jet ski.
As the 26-year-old man made a U-turn, trying to head west and then south, Reyes-Rodriguez allegedly collided with their jet ski. The impact resulted in all four passengers being thrown into the water.
According to police reports, a 26-year-old woman who was sitting at the back of the jet ski was pulled from the river unconsciously and unresponsive. Unfortunately, she was later pronounced dead at Harlem Hospital.
The complaint stated that Reyes-Rodriguez registered a blood alcohol level of 0.141 percent when a breathalyzer test was administered around 11:40 p.m. It’s worth noting that operating a jet ski or any vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher is illegal.
He reportedly told the police he had consumed only three drinks at Randall’s Island before heading back to New Jersey. Reyes-Rodriguez mentioned to investigators that it was too dark to see well prior to the crash.
Following his arraignment, Reyes-Rodriguez was ordered to be held on a $25,000 bail.
