David Mitchell Besser Obituary, Death – A tragic boating accident on the Sabine River in Orange County, Texas, has claimed the life of a 37-year-old Pearland man. According to officials, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening when a bay boat collided with a commercial barge on the Sabine River/Intracoastal Waterway.
Justice of the Peace Chad Jenkins confirmed the victim’s identity as David Mitchell Besser, a resident of Pearland. Jenkins also stated that an autopsy has been ordered to further determine the cause of death.
Authorities say the Orange County Sheriff’s Office reached out to Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday to report the crash. Following the alert, multiple agencies responded to the scene, including Texas Game Wardens, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the area along the Sabine River/Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, which lies between Cow Bayou and Adams Bayou. Upon arrival, authorities discovered that a 25-foot bay boat had crashed into the front of a moving commercial barge.
David Besser, who was on the bay boat at the time, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Officials pronounced him dead at the scene. No information has yet been released regarding whether anyone else was onboard the boat or if the barge operators sustained any injuries.
Because a commercial vessel was involved in the incident, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken over as the lead agency for the investigation. The Coast Guard is expected to examine the circumstances of the crash, including visibility, navigation signals, and vessel speeds at the time of the accident.
Capt. Ryan Hall of Texas Parks & Wildlife confirmed the joint response by state and federal agencies and stated that more information may be released as the investigation progresses.
Besser’s death marks a sobering reminder of the risks associated with water travel, especially in busy or industrial waterways where recreational boats may cross paths with larger, commercial ships. No further details have been given on whether alcohol, equipment failure, or weather played a role in the incident.
The autopsy ordered by Judge Jenkins will help determine whether any medical or external factors may have contributed to the crash.
As the U.S. Coast Guard continues its inquiry, local officials urge boaters to exercise caution while navigating waters that are shared by both recreational and commercial traffic. Adhering to navigation rules and maintaining awareness of larger vessels can be vital in preventing future tragedies like this one.
David Mitchell Besser is remembered by family and friends as a man who loved the water, and his sudden loss has left the Pearland community in mourning. Further updates from investigators are expected as the case unfolds.
