Fatal Florida Parasail Accident Investigation : Victim Died by Drowning
This past June, a South Carolina man vacationing with his fiancee was killed in a parasailing accident off Longboat Key on the west coast of Central Florida (see link to original story below). Now the media is reporting that a medical examiner's investigation has revealed that the cause of death for the Fla. parasail accident victim was "drowning" and the manner of death was "accidental."
According to previous media reports, the 31-year-old S.C. tourist was aloft on a parasail ride operated by Fun N Sun Parasail of Bradenton Beach, Florida. News reports stated that when the man was about 800 feet in the air, some sort of malfunction occurred, and he fell into the water. The man later died. Both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Coast Guard conducted investigation into the circumstances surrounding this fatal parasail accident.
Now Miami, Florida and other media are reporting that an investigation into this Fla. parasailing accident has revealed more details about what occurred. Apparently the boat had malfunctioned and slowed, causing the victim's parasail line to slacken and drop him into the water. Initial reports stated that the victim, who was wearing a life vest, waved and was clearly alive when he landed in the water. However he later became unresponsive. Now a news report states that…
"According to Fun N Sun, the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife, the out-drive on the boat failed, causing the propeller to stop turning and the boat to abruptly slow."
Reports state that the parasailing equipment itself appeared to be in working order, and the victim did not appear to have been entangled in the equipment. The medical examiner investigation also ruled out physical injury, bad weather, drugs, or marine animal as cause of death. The ME did report in a statement that the victim had a mildly enlarged heart, which could cause irregular heartbeat and lead to unconsciousness. He indicated that stress could precipitate cardiac arrhythmia.
As an experienced Miami, Florida parasailing accident lawyer knows all too well -- these tragic parasail accidents continue to occur off Fla. beaches. When someone embarks on a parasail ride, they expect to have some fun in the Florida sun -- to get a bird's-eye view of the beach, ocean, and the scenery below. Sadly, this is not always the case, as parasailing accidents due to a variety of factors can and do happen in the Sunshine State. See link below to parasail industry safety advocates calling for greater regulations in the parasailing industry in Florida and throughout the U.S.
Related Florida Accident Attorney Article:
Sources:
SC man drowned in Fla. parasailing accident
Associated Press in The Miami Herald Aug. 28, 2011
Parasailer drowned
The Islander Aug. 2011
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