On 10/29/10 statement was taken from subject:  He and operator/victim had been putting a depth finder on V1.  Around 1400hrs Subject launched victim at the Hwy 165 boat ramp on Lake Enterprise and returned to victim's camp to wait on his arrival.  Around 1415hrs Subject became worried and went looking for victim with a party barge.  Subject found V1 heavily damaged at the bow but was unable to locate victim and returned to camp.  At approximately 1445hrs subject2 was motoring his vessel on Lake Enterprise when he came across the victim's body floating in the water.  He secured the body to a tree at 1453hrs and contacted 911.

Upon my arrival on scene, the victim had already been removed by the coroner.  The coroner was contacted and blood samples were requested for BAC testing.  The samples have been sent to the Crime Lab, results are expected in 4 to 6 weeks.  Also during examination water was found in the victim's lungs indicating he died as a result of drowning.

Inspection of V1 revealed the key was in the "on" position with the throttle 2/3rds of the way engaged.  The kill switch was found attached and laying beside the driver's seat giving the appearance that it had not been worn.  The motor was turned toward the starboard side.  V1 sustained heavy damage along the bow indicating a heavy impact with a fixed object.  A cypress tree was located east of the vessel with a large gash in the center of the tree mirroring the bow of V1.  The drivers console was damaged indicating the operator was ejected over the steering wheel.  Scuff marks and a damaged fish finder were also found on the console.  Victim was not wearing a life jacket.  A search of V1 revealed 3 PFDs.

USCG addition: USCG asked the State if a cause was assigned.  The State replied, "No witnesses, so we don't know what caused the collision. Medical examiner didn't find anything to indicate a medical condition cause. On the 2/3rds throttle, that was our assumption - that it indicated the speed he was traveling - again no witnesses and rescuers/retrievers did not touch or move anything in the boat, just towed it in."
WILMOT                        