FWC Investigating Crystal River Boating Accident that Killed Green Cove Springs Man

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservative Commission (FWC) officers are currently investigating a boating accident in Crystal River that left a Green Cove Springs man dead Tuesday.

The man was reported missing when his boat was identified around 6 p.m. Tuesday evening.

The vessel was located on a sand bar near the Crystal River Fort Island Trail boat ramp with no one visible on board. A cell phone and keys were found and the boat’s trolling motor was down.

A search was conducted by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard and the FWC.

The man’s body was located around 7:30 p.m. by units with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Preliminary investigations indicate the man fell out of his boat while fishing. The FWC said the medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death.

The investigation by the FWC is pending.

When someone else’s negligence or the poor design, construction or maintenance of a boat results in a deadly accident , the victim’s family may be able to pursue justice on behalf of their loved one through a wrongful death claim. While taking legal action may be the furthest thing from your mind during this difficult time, it may be the only wait to make sure your family is taken care of now and in the future. You may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of companionship and additional losses. After you have lost someone close to you, the last thing you want to stress about is how you are going to make ends meet. A wrongful death claim could award you with the financial resources you need to fully recover from your loss.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the top contributing factors to boat accidents include:

• Inexperienced Operators
• Using Excessive Speeds
• Inattentive Boat Operators
• Alcohol
• Not Paying Attention to Other Boats, People and Objects

Wrongful death claims often involve complex matters and can be very difficult to pursue on your own. The Citrus County Boat Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you explore your legal options so that you can focus on your family and moving on. We handle boating accident cases in Crystal River, Inverness, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Homosassa, Dunnellon, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs and Floral City. For a complimentary assessment of your claim, contact us online or call 1-352-726-0078.