Chilcoot, CA – Authorities are investigating a fatal boating collision at Frenchman Lake that claimed the life of a Nevada woman over the weekend.
According to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office, emergency dispatchers received a Text-to-911 report at approximately 11:21 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, of a collision involving a personal watercraft and a recreational boat near the Frenchman Lake Boat Launch.
Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded and immediately began lifesaving efforts. Despite those efforts, the operator of the personal watercraft was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was identified as Sandra Ann Skender, 47, of Reno, Nevada.
Investigators said the preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved a collision between the personal watercraft and a recreational boat on Frenchman Lake. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. Authorities have not released additional details regarding how the collision occurred or whether any charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to Skender’s family and thanked the agencies that assisted with the response, including the Plumas County Boat Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Care Flight, Eastern Plumas Health Care Ambulance, Beckwourth Peak Fire, and other deputies and emergency responders.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation remains active, and officials said no additional information is being released at this time.
