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HENEFER, Morgan County — Officials identified the man killed Wednesday evening during a personal watercraft accident at East Canyon State Park on Thursday.
Benjamin Paul Rosser, 30, died when he crashed into a rock face on the west side of the reservoir, the statement said. He is originally from Pennsylvania but was living in Salt Lake City.
Utah State Parks Lt. Drew Patterson said about 7:30 p.m., a 911 call came after a fisherman on the shoreline saw the jet skier. The fisherman said he looked down and heard a crash and immediately called for help.
Rangers responded quickly on a patrol boat, according to the statement, and recovered Rosser. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The west side of the lake, there is a pretty steep face, and that's what we believe he hit into — that face of the mountain," Patterson said. "When he was found, he was separated from his jet ski on the water."
Patterson said the man was wearing a life jacket; however, they said he was on the lake alone.
According to law enforcement, the crash came at a time when very few people were at the reservoir — with only another boat on the water and a fisherman on the shoreline.
The Utah Division of State Parks extended condolences to Rosser's family and friends.
The division urged safety over the coming Memorial Day weekend and invited all visitors in state parks to "practice responsible recreation." The statement said this means having a buddy, wearing life jackets and helmets, telling others your plans, packing appropriate gear, staying hydrated and checking weather conditions.
