SANDPOINT, ID — Authorities are investigating a fatal boating accident that occurred on Lake Pend Oreille near Hope on the night of September 20.

According to the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a 911 call around 10:50 p.m. from 54-year-old Sandpoint resident Sean Caldon, who reported that his boat had run aground on Cottage Island. Caldon told officials his passenger, 52-year-old Jose “Gomie” Gomez of Sandpoint, had been ejected from the vessel and may have gone into the water.

Multiple agencies responded, including Bonner County deputies, Idaho State Police, Bonner County Emergency Medical Services, and fire crews from Sam Owen and Sandpoint. The Sam Owen Fire Department was the first to arrive and located Gomez on land. Despite life-saving efforts, Gomez was pronounced dead at the scene. His remains were released to the Bonner County Coroner’s Office, and an autopsy is pending.

The Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police are conducting a joint investigation, with the Sheriff’s Marine Division leading the boat accident inquiry. Preliminary findings indicate that Caldon was operating the vessel at the time, and alcohol has been identified as a contributing factor. Officials say any potential criminal charges will be determined following a full review of the investigation’s findings.