On July 2, 2010 at about 6:05 PM, 47-year old California resident Richard S. Dietrich died after trying to retrieve a remote control boat from Watson Lake near the boat ramp.

Mr. Dietrich was visiting family in Prescott and he and several members of his family were spending time at the lake. According to witnesses Mr. Dietrich went into the lake to retrieve the boat and began to struggle.

Members of his family and others in the area pulled him from the lake and performed CPR. Prescott Fire Department responded and continued the lifesaving efforts.

Dietrich was transported to Yavapai Regional Medical Center West where he was pronounced deceased a short time after his arrival.