Victim was sailboat operator racing in a sailboat regatta. The sailboat overturned when rounding the first pin. The self inflating pfd worked when operator-victim fell into the water. The victim-operator attempted to upright his sailboat with assistance by some race officials. He then began to struggle in the water during this attempt. Race officials attempted to get the victim out of the water onto their ski boat, but were unable to do this do to the victim's extreme obesity. A nearby pontoon boat was called to help the victim. Prior to the pontoon boat's arrival. The victim continued to struggle in the water and became unconscious. Pontoon arrived and people aboard were successful in getting the victim aboard. By this time the victim had no pulse and was not breathing. Pontoon transported victim to shore where county sheriff office ems were waiting to transport victim to a hospital. Victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital. County medical examiner autopsy determined victim died from myocardial infarction (heart attack) while struggling in the water. Autopsy found severe coronary atherosclerosis and aoritic stenosis in the victim likely do to his morbid obesity (5'6", 266 pounds).
TOWN OF DUNN                  