Melanie Ramos-Lopez Accident – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of a 31-year-old Rochester woman who was killed in a jet ski accident on Lake Ontario Saturday night.
Melanie Ramos-Lopez was found dead after deputies responded to a report of a capsized jet ski and riders in the water. West Webster firefighters were first at the scene and pulled a man out of the water. He was rushed to the hospital and is expected to be okay.
First responders spent nearly an hour searching the bay for Ramos-Lopez before finding her body. Deputies are still investigating what happened and won’t say whether anyone was wearing a floatation device.
Much of the investigation hinges on the medical examiner, who will determine Ramos-Lopez’s cause of death. It’s too soon to know if drugs or alcohol played a role.
In New York State, you have to be at least 14 to operate a jet ski by yourself. You also have to get a boating safety certificate by taking a course at various boating schools or through the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard says the number one piece of advice for jet skiers is to wear a life jacket. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, the water temperature and waves can shock your body when you fall in.