Mitchell Besser Accident: Pearland, TX Man Killed in Orange County Boat Crash

ORANGE COUNTY, TX – Tragedy struck Tuesday evening on the Sabine River when David Mitchell Besser, a 37-year-old man from Pearland, Texas, was killed in a fatal boating accident involving a recreational vessel and a commercial barge. The incident occurred just after 6:30 p.m. and has left the Pearland and Orange County communities mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss.

According to Orange County Justice of the Peace Chad Jenkins, Texas Game Wardens were contacted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in response to a reported collision on the Sabine River/Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The location of the crash was between Cow Bayou and Adams Bayou, a commonly traveled route for both commercial and recreational vessels.

Upon arrival at the scene, officials from the Texas Game Wardens, Orange County Sheriff’s Marine Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard discovered that a 25-foot bay boat, operated solely by Besser, had collided head-on with the front of a moving commercial barge. Besser, the lone occupant of the recreational vessel, was pronounced dead at the scene. An official inquest into the death was ordered by Justice Jenkins.

Due to the involvement of a commercial vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken the lead in the investigation. Authorities are now working to determine the exact cause of the crash, including potential contributing factors such as visibility, speed, operator awareness, and environmental conditions at the time of the incident.

Remembering David Mitchell Besser

David Mitchell Besser, known by friends and loved ones as “Mitchell,” was a resident of Pearland who enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly boating. He is remembered for his adventurous spirit, warm personality, and love for the water. His death has sent shockwaves through both his hometown and the greater Orange County region. Many have taken to social media to share condolences and memories, reflecting on the deep impact he had on those around him.

Investigation Ongoing

As the U.S. Coast Guard continues its investigation, more details are expected to emerge. In the meantime, Besser’s family has requested privacy as they process this unimaginable loss and make arrangements to honor his life.