Indian River- Delaware State Police are currently conducting a death investigation related to a boating accident that occurred yesterday afternoon.

The investigation revealed the incident occurred on August 27, 2020, at approximately 4:22 p.m. when the victim, his wife, and granddaughter were fishing in the Indian River south of the South Shore Marina in their boat. The victim discovered his fishing line was caught in the boat’s motor, and he jumped in the water to untangle the line. As the victim attempted to climb the ladder back onto the boat, he fell backward into the water and was unable to swim due to the rough water conditions and strong current. A passing boat observed the victim in distress, pulled the victim from the water onto their boat, and began life-saving measures before being transferred to a Coast Guard boat and transported back to shore. The victim was transported from the scene to an area hospital by ambulance.

The victim, a 68-year-old male from West Virginia, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. His name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Delaware Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police are investigating the boat accident.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit/Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll free hotline 1800 VICTIM-1. (1800 842-8461). You may also email the unit Director at debra.reed@delaware.gov.

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Presented by Public Information Officer, Senior Corporal Heather Pepper

Released: 082820 0845

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