Initial Response

                On Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 1739 hours, I Officer First Class responded at the request of Lt. to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton, at 219 South Washington Street, Easton Maryland in reference to a boating accident. Cpl. also responded to assist with the investigation. Upon my arrival I made contact with medical staff, who advised that the priority patient was en route on the ambulance.

                At 1807 hours, Caroline Paramedic Unit (EMS run #23-20810) arrived at the hospital with Victim. Victim was undergoing treatment and I observed a LUCAS device was being utilized. Lifesaving attempts were made by hospital staff until Victim was pronounced dead at 1817 hours by Dr.. The hospital contacted the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, to have a Forensic Investigator respond to the scene. I was in contact with Lt., who advised that he was escorting Victim’s wife to the hospital.

Forensic Investigation

                The weather conditions at the scene were clear, air temperature was 75°, water temperature 73°, wind was from the west at less than 10 miles per hour, the sea state was calm, and the tide was low. Cpl. and Forensic Investigator arrived on scene. Forensic Investigator inspected the body, which Cpl. photographed. Forensic Investigator contacted Newnam’s Funeral Services, who later responded and took possession of Victim’s body, and transported him to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore for autopsy, OCME case#23-07096. Victim’s personal effects which consisted of clothing had been removed by medical staff, and were later offered to Victim’s next of kin, who declined to take it requesting its disposal at the hospital.

Interview of the Witness

                I made arrangements with hospital staff to have a private room to meet with Victim’s wife. Upon her and Lt. arrival at approximately 1920 hours, Cpl. and I performed the death notification to Victim’s wife. After notification, I interviewed Victim’s wife regarding the incident.

                Victim’s wife advised that Victim was operating the vessel, the details of which she was unfamiliar with (later found to be a 2000 Susquehana UK 13’8”, MD registration), in the area of the Choptank River near Ganey’s Wharf. Victim’s wife stated that she was the only passenger aboard the boat with Victim. Victim’s wife stated that Victim was an experienced boater, but was unfamiliar with the area, and it was his first time operating this vessel. Victim’s wife stated that as Victim was operating, the vessel ran aground in mud, stopping the boat. Victim’s wife advised that Victim recently inherited the vessel from a deceased friend.

                Victim’s wife advised that Victim got out of the vessel and began to attempt to push it off the mud flat. Victim’s wife stated that Victim was physically exerting himself substantially, to the point she became concerned. Victim’s wife stated that Victim had cardiac issues in the past, which was the cause of her concern. Victim’s wife stated that she warned Victim not to give himself a heart attack. Victim’s wife advised that she observed him “huffing and puffing”, breathing heavily. Victim’s wife advised that Victim freed the vessel from the mud, and climbed back aboard. 

Victim’s wife stated that Victim began to operate the vessel back to the boat ramp. Victim’s wife stated she was sitting in the front of the boat looking rearward, and Victim was sitting at the helm. Victim’s wife stated she saw Victim collapse forward, then fall overboard to the starboard side of the vessel. Victim’s wife stated that when Victim fell he went directly underwater, and she could no longer see him. Victim’s wife advised that Victim was not wearing a PFD.

                Victim’s wife advised that she was not an experienced boat operator. Victim’s wife stated that she moved to the helm and attempted to steer the vessel to shore, but ran aground. Victim’s wife stated that she attempted to contact Emergency Services, but her cell phone would not place the call (I have personal knowledge of the area and confirm cellular service to be unreliable). Victim’s wife stated that she yelled for help and people on shore heard her and called 911.

                Victim’s wife described Victim’s medical history. Victim’s wife advised that Victim had a triple bypass heart surgery approximately five years prior. Victim’s wife stated that Victim was on medication for hypertension and high cholesterol. Victim’s wife stated that Victim regularly consumed alcohol, but not tobacco. Victim’s wife advised that Victim was not inebriated at the time of the incident. At the conclusion of the interview Cpl. assisted Victim’s wife with making additional notification to family members over the phone.

                Ofc. responded to the hospital and provided me the witness statements.  After Victim was taken for transport to the OCME and the Victim’s wife was taken home by family members, Cpl. and I cleared the scene.

Vessel Inspection

                On June 8, 2023 at 0630 hours, I responded to Ganey’s Warf, Preston Maryland, to inspect the vessel. I observed and photographed the vessel, which had been stored there on its trailer by field units the night prior. The vessel was displaying MD registration, but was found to be actually registered differently. I observed one partial can of Miller Lite beer on the console at the helm. I observed no obvious damage to the hull or propulsion. I observed mud stuck to the propeller.

Autopsy

                I responded to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner at 900 West Baltimore Street, Baltimore Maryland for autopsy. I discussed the incident with the performing doctor, Dr. Dr. advised afterward that Victim had a large heart with prior/remote heart attacks and multiple stents and grafts, and that It was possible that he had a cardiac event prior to drowning. I submitted an autopsy report request, report pending.

                I request this case remain open.
                All events occurred in Caroline and Talbot Counties, and Baltimore City.

Choptank River-Denton to Dover
Preston                       