Isaiah “Izzy” Benz, a budding football talent who played at Canoga Park High School, died as the result of a drowning accident on Sunday, June 20, during a family vacation at Lake Havasu.
According to Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies and published reports, Benz, 16, was out on the lake with a group of friends in rented pontoon when he and others decided to jump into the water in Havasu’s South Basin for a swim. Tragically, strong winds pushed the vessel away from him.
Two others in the pontoon jumped into the water to try and help Benz, but had to get back into the vessel to escape drowning themselves. Authorities said Another man on board fell out of the pontoon and was injured by a propeller, but was helped back in.
The three men were transported to land by a Lake Havasu City Fire boat, then transported to a hospital, where they were reported in stable condition, authorities said.
Benz’s body was recovered from the bottom of the lake’s South Basin in approximately 35 feet of water on Monday, June 21.
A Canoga Park Football tweet posted Monday said, “It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of one of our own. Isaiah “Izzy” Benz lost his life in a tragic incident over the weekend. Great teammate, always positive. And a contagious smile. You will be missed Izzy.”