On May 31, 2012, at approx 1400 Hrs, a man (later identified by his fingerprints) was found floating in Lake Okeechobee. The man was found missing his head and part of his left arm. The helicopter found a kayak floating approx 2 miles from where the man was found. After further investigation Operator had bought the vessel a few days prior. According to witnesses he launched his kayak from the Pahokee marina two days earlier in bad weather. His vehicle was also found at the Marina the next day. The missing head and arm was taken off by alligators post mortem, and the cause and manner of death is unknown. 

On May 31,2012, I of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was dispatched to the scene of a floating deceased victim. The deceased victim was found floating at Port Mayaca,Marin County, on May 31, 2012 at 1400 Hrs. Martin County Detectives took possession of all evidence found, and were the lead detectives on the case. Tri County Medical Examiners took over Possession of the body.

On June 12, 2012, I filled out a 24 hour death investigation report, but it has not been determined at this time if this is an alligator attack or boating accident. Detective informed me they had exhausted all their leads, and were turning this case over to me. Detective emailed me all of her findings. Murder and Suicide have been ruled out. 

On June 26, 2012, Detective and I met at the Martin County Sheriff's Office so he could turn over all evidence in their possession over to me. Detective also gave me his report, and a disc containing the photos from the scene. 

I logged all found property including the vessel into evidence at the Jupiter compound.  

On July 5, 2012, I talked to the Medical Examiners office reference the death investigation. He informed me he is attempting to retrieve fingerprints of the unidentified man from the Military records Department in St Louis, Missouri. He has also notified the family of the deceased. They are working with him to try and identify the unidentified body.

On July 16, 2012, the Medical Examiner office advised me the unidentified man’s name. The family has been notified. This accident is now being investigated as a boating accident. 

On August 8, 2012, after determining the accident is in fact a boating accident, I submitted another 24 hour report indicating a boating accident had occurred on May 31,2012.

On October 24, 2012, I received the autopsy report reference death. The Manner and Cause of death were both unknown.


UNINCORPORATED                