Pearland man killed in Orange County boating crash

Published 11:32 am Wednesday, July 30, 2025

ORANGE COUNTY — A Pearland man has died after a boating crash Tuesday in Orange County.

The deceased is identified as David Mitchell Besser, 37, of Pearland, according to Orange County Justice of the Peace Chad Jenkins. 

Texas Game Wardens were contacted by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in regards to a reported boat accident on the Sabine River involving a recreational vessel and a commercial barge shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. 

Texas Game Wardens, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit, and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the scene located on the Sabine River/Gulf Intracoastal Waterway halfway between Cow Bayou and Adams Bayou in Orange County.

 At the scene they learned that a 25-foot bay boat with one occupant crashed into the front of a commercial barge as it was traveling along the waterway.  The driver of the bay boat was pronounced dead at the scene, and an inquest was ordered by Orange County Justice of the Peace Chad Jenkins. 

 The U.S. Coast Guard will be the lead investigative agency since the crash involves a commercial vessel.