Accidental Death at Lake Houston February 14, 2008 - Houston police are investigating the death of a man who fell overboard into Lake Houston about 6 p.m. on Thursday (February 7). The victim, Israel Romero Garcia, 28, of 23207 Whittaker Way, suffered a gash to the right side of his forehead and was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Garcia’s body was found on Wednesday (February 13). HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officers P.J. Guerrero and H.A. Chavez reported: Mr. Garcia was at Lake Houston with his brother in-law and friends riding a small boat. Due to rough waters, they returned to shore but Garcia later returned with other friends for a second boat ride. At that time, Garcia stood up at the front of the boat, lost his balance and fell into the rough water. The HPD Dive Team and United States Coast Guard responded to the scene but were unsuccessful in locating Garcia. Garcia’s body was located on Wednesday (February 13) and was found to have a deep gash to his forehead. He was taken to the Harris County morgue by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office where he was x-rayed. The x-rays showed a possible projectile in his throat later found to be the crown from his right front tooth, which had broken off and lodged into his throat. A boat propeller possibly struck Garcia as well. GO/VHS 2-14-08 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |