The event is a gathering where Scouts and others launch home-made and commercially made hobby model rockets.
Michael Bentley, a longtime scouting volunteer, was there watching his friend launch a home-made rocket, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials wrote in a news release.
The launch was successful but after watching it take off, Bentley lost track of the rocket's direction of travel.
The rocket came down and struck Bentley in the face as he looked toward the sky, officials said. Spectators at the event began to panic and call 911.
Two off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff's officials were at the event in another area and learned of the emergency. They ran to assess the nature of Bentley's injuries and recognized them as life-threatening.
The two officials, a detective and a lieutenant, coordinated a medical response and gained the help of a California Highway Patrol helicopter, the release said.
Bentley, 50, was taken to a Palm Springs hospital, where he died in surgery.
Bentley had been involved in scouting since his youth and was the immediate past district chairman of the Arrowhead District of the California Inland Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Council executive Joseph Daniszewski said Bentley was "just a great scouter and a really great man. It's just a tragedy."
In 2010, Bentley earned the Silver Beaver Award, which is awarded to registered adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council.
Bentley also served as charter representative for First United Methodist Church of Highland.
"All of us in the Inland Empire Council are really very sad for the loss of Michael and our thoughts and prayers go to him and his family,"Daniszewski said.
- Source: http://www.pe.com
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