Suspect in fatal boating crash set for arraignment
CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 weeks, 4 days AGO
Bonner County Courthouse
Courtesy of CHLOE COCHRAN
SANDPOINT — A man charged in connection with a fatal boat crash last September is expected to enter a plea on related charges today, Feb. 19.
Sean Caldon, 54, is expected to stand before a judge and enter a plea to a felony count of involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor operating a watercraft under the influence.
Caldon could face up to ten years in prison if found guilty of the alleged crimes.
Officials became aware of the crash by way of a 911 call Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at about 10:50 p.m., where Caldon had reported that he had run his boat aground on Cottage Island.
Caldon told officials his passenger, Jose “Gomie” Gomez, had been ejected from the boat and was missing. Multiple first responders and emergency personnel responded to the scene, including the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Bonner County Emergency Services, and the Sam Owen and Sandpoint fire departments.
Sam Owen Fire was the first agency on scene and initiated search efforts for Gomez. Upon locating him on land, the agency reported several lifesaving attempts before pronouncing him deceased.
Criminal charges were filed Oct. 14, 2025, after a full investigation of the crash.
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