Operator of Vsl #1 (74) stated that while they were fishing, passenger/victim's line got tangled.  In trying to untangle the line, passenger (76) stood up in boat, boat started swaying back and forth, filled up with water, and then capsized, throwing both in water.  Passenger was able to get back in boat, and operator found a log to stand on.  A nearby fishermen heard cries for help and found passenger/victim lying in boat, and brought him back to shore.  While going back to shore, passenger/victim was conscious and talking, and saying he had water in his lungs.  Just before coming to shore, passenger/victim lost consciousness but still had pulse and was breathing.  On shore, they started CPR.  Passenger/victim was transported to ER and then flewn to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, where he passed away.
Cause of death was: Arrhythmia due to cold water immersion, according to medical examiner at Kent County.
Amber Township                