Italian killed in personal watercraft race

By DAVE HAWKINS
SPECIAL TO THE LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

KINGMAN, Ariz. — A racer from Rome was killed today during competition at the International Jet Sports Boating Association World Finals on Lake Havasu.

Vismara Cesare’s personal watercraft collided with another when racing about 80 mph, according to Mohave County Sheriff’s Sgt. Doug Schuster.

Schuster said another racer was trying to pass Cesare when the collision occurred off Crazy Horse Beach about 2:20 p.m. That watercraft spun 360 degrees, striking the victim in the head.

Cesare, 37, was knocked off the course and off his personal watercraft. Then a third racer who was leading the heat collided with Cesare’s unoccupied watercraft, suffering minor injuries, Schuster said.

Cesare was pronounced dead on arrival at Lake Havasu Regional Medical Center. The racer involved in the initial collision was not injured.

The rest of today’s races were halted after the crash.

“In consultation with the competitors, we decided that it was in the best interest of all concerned to postpone all racing activities, resuming early Saturday morning,” said Scorr Frazier, the boating association’s executive director.

The 10-day ISJBA World Finals drew 650 entries from 31 states and 36 nations.

Le monde du jetski endeuillé hier à Havasu, Cesare Vismara est décédé en pratiquant sa passion, condoléances à sa famille et courage dans ces moments difficile.

http://www.cesarevismara.com/biografia.htm

Statement from IJSBA

October 17, 2009

Statement from International Jet Sports Boating Association Executive Scott Frazier Regarding racing accident during IJSBA World Finals

“All of us with the IJSBA are deeply saddened by the death today of one of our competitors during an early afternoon PWC runabout race on Lake Havasu. While the accident remains under investigation by the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department, Cesare Vismara of Italy succumbed to injuries he sustained when his personal watercraft was hit by that of another competitor.

“Our IJSBA rescue team was immediately on the scene and additional assistance was provided from the on-shore paramedics. Vismara was declared dead at the venue and his body was transported to a local hospital.

“We are deeply grieved by this horrible accident and in consultation with the other competitors at the event, postponed all racing until Saturday morning. This was the first time in the nearly three decades of this event that we have had an incident like this one.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Vismara family and all of his friends here at the event.”