On Sunday, August 13, 2023, at approximately 1800 hours, operator launched his vessel (V-1) from East Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho) in St. Cloud, Osceola County, Florida. Operator1 was the operator of V-1, and had four adult occupants on board. V-1 headed southeast for a recreational cruise. At approximately 1830 hours, Operator1 put V-1 in neutral and the victim jumped overboard to swim. 

It became apparent to Operator1 that Victim was struggling in the water. Operator1 jumped overboard to rescue Victim, but was unsuccessful.  Another occupant on board the vessel threw a rope to assist.  Victim did not resurface, and Operator1 called 911. A search was conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) patrol, St. Cloud Police Department (SCPD) marine units, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OSCO) marine and aviation units with no success.  

On Monday, August 14, 2023, at approximately 0825 hours, Victim was found deceased in the water in proximity of the incident site by the OCSO’s aviation unit. 

See attached complete investigative report for further details.

Victim was recovered approximately 440 feet northwest of where the 911 call was made (cell phone ping). Victim was not wearing any type of lifejacket when he was recovered. The autopsy report (ME23-1631) from the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office list the cause of death as ‘drowning’, and the manner of death as ‘accident’. Also listed as other significant conditions contributing to death is “Dilated cardiomyopathy”.
East Lake Toho
ST. CLOUD                     