The victim and four other individuals launched a small row boat in a farm pond with the intent of cast netting fish.  At some point the vessel capsized and all of the occupants were thrown into the water.  None of the occupants were wearing life jackets and there was no safety gear on the boat.  All of the occupants, except the victim, were able to hold on to the vessel until help arrived. Hardee County Sheriff's Office and Zolfo Springs Fire Rescue responded along with FWC.  Wauchula Police Department Dive team arrived and located the victim who was pronounced deceased at 1617 hours.

Vessel year was estimated since the vessel was not registered and there was no hull identification number on the vessel.

The victim was unable to swim and drown.  The Medical Examiner listed cause of death as Freshwater Drowning, manner of death, Accident.
ZOLFO SPRINGS                 