RedactedNarrative: On Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at approximately 10:27 hrs. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers responded to a vessel accident at Dinner Lake, located in Highlands County. A 2014, 19 foot Legend was located under power with only a dog on board. The operator was discovered deceased floating face down in the lake nearby, without a life jacket.
  
  According to a friend, at approximately 0730 hrs. Operator1’s vessel departed the boat ramp under the power of an outboard motor and headed out into Dinner Lake.  The operator was participating in a bass fishing tournament.  
  
  Some time prior to 0930 hrs. Operator1 was operating the Legend by use of the outboard motor at an unknown speed.  For unknown reasons, he fell overboard and the Legend continued on its course until it came to rest in the weed line behind the residence in Sebring.  
  
  Subject was standing on shore and observed the Legend headed toward the shoreline at an idle speed, from across the lake and did not see anyone on board.   Subject observed the vessel as it was wedged into the thick vegetation and pointing toward the shoreline.  The motor was still running and he could only see a dog onboard.  He immediately notified the Sebring Police Department.  
  
  Sebring Fire Department and Highlands County Emergency Management Services (HCEMS) also responded.  Operator1 was later discovered floating face down on the east side of the lake near the weed line.  His body was recovered by Sebring Fire Department.  He was provided ALS by HCEMS, and pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
  
  Preliminary cause of death was drowning with contributing cause as heart disease. No sign of injuries.
  