RedactedNarrative: On Sunday, January 17, 2021 at approximately 1642 hours, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was made aware of a vessel incident that occurred on Little Lake Harris about a 1/4 mile south of the Astatula Boat Ramp.  Vessel FL 3321 NS (V1), an 18' open / race boat was found partially sunken near the eastern shoreline of the lake.  The operator / victim was found deceased in the vicinity of the same vessel.  
  
  Based on the evidence and information gathered to date, I offer the following conclusion:  Although there were no eyewitnesses that observed this vessel incident, it can be determined that speed and alcohol could have been contributing factors to this incident.  
  
  An ear witness stated that he heard Operator’s vessel, south of the boat ramp, running at a high rate of speed.  Witness1 could tell this from hearing the engine’s revolution per minute (RPM).  He then heard a “clap” sound and the sudden stop of the “vessel” or motor.  This suggest that something catastrophic happened very quickly.  I believe the “clap” sound was Operator’s vessel hitting the water after possibly going partially airborne due to speed.  
  
  V1’s damage is consistent with impact with the water.  I did not observe and damage to V1 that would suggest an impact with a fixed object.  Operator’s injuries are consistent with an impact with V1 (as he was ejected) and the water at a high rate of speed.  
  
  The medical examiner’s office reported through a toxicology report that Operator’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was a 0.133 g/100mL.  Florida State Statute defines a person to be under the influence (when a person’s normal faculties are impaired) if their  BAC is at a 0.08 g/100mL or higher.  
  
  
  The cause of death is listed as: Multiple blunt force injuries.  The manner of death is listed as: Accident.  The injuries are described as: Blunt head trauma with numerous skull and facial fractures and extrusion of the brain, fractures of the sixth cervical vertebra and third thoracic vertebra exposing thoracic spinal cord, fractures of the left clavicle and multiple bilateral ribs, laceration of the spleen, focal cutaneous lacerations, abrasions, and bruises, severe pulmonary anthracosis, and severe spinal asteoarthritis.
  