An unoccupied PWC was found drifting. A PFD was found in the area of the unoccupied PWC on July 3, 2012   A search ensued and continued ion to the next day. The body of the operator was located on the evening of July 4th, 2012.  A vehicle with Jet Ski trailer was found nearby close to a boat ramp and was registered to the deceased.  A witness stated he saw the victim swimming  near his jet ski on July 3 and a PFD in the water 100 yards away.  The witness stated the victim did  not appear to be in distress.  The Jet Ski had no apparent damage.  There was an empty beer bottle and two bottle caps in the front compartment.  From the evidence, it appears the victim removed his PFD and entered the water.  The PFD likely drifted away.  The victim may have been attempting to retrieve the PFD.  For  unknown reasons he either became disoriented or exhausted and went under water.  The amount of drugs in the victims system most likelyb contributed to the fatality.
 
The Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as drowning.  The toxicology results showed the following drugs in the victim's system:  Ethanol (13%), Phencyclidine, Oxyodone.
Essex                         