RedactedNarrative: Investigation, found that boater was operating, pontoon boat on 11/26/22 with his three passengers While fishing and recreationally cruising on Lake Annie, the motor was running very poorly and smoking. 
  
  In an attempt to get the motor running better, operator got the vessel up on plane. As a result of the vessel's motor running poorly, it was not performing at optimum and was only traveling approximately 20-25 mph. 
  
  While the vessel was heading north towards the boat ramp, operator continuously looked forward and looking back at the malfunctioning motor. 
  
  Just prior to the crash, operator looked back at the motor, and when turned head back forward to look towards the front of the boat, observed passenger standing forward of the railing and in between the two seats. 
  
  At this time, passenger fell head-first into the lake in front of the vessel and between the pontoons. 
  
  It is suspected that due to the vessel motor surging, making the boat immediately and unexpectedly speed up and immediately and unexpectedly slow down, passenger lost his balance which in turn caused him to fall forward. 
  
  In the water, and below the water line, passenger was pulled by vessel wake towards the propellor. Upon being drawn to the vessel propellor, passenger was struck multiple times to the upper torso and head. As a result impact with the propellor and drowning,  body sank to the bottom of the lake in an area that is surrounded by numerous submerged cut trees that are used as fish attractors. 
  
  Due to the very heavy underwater vegetation and structures, Body was not located by side scan sonar or divers. Approximately 2 ½ days after the crash, Body was found deceased, floating facedown in various stages of decomposition and with numerous cut wounds from the propellor. 
  
  Investigation, found no boating violations of Florida State Statute, US Coast Guard Rules, or Polk County Ordinance, criminal or infraction. The crash was found accidental.