BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A Cocoa man was found dead Tuesday in the St. Johns River, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Two women on an airboat discovered the body underwater near the Lone Cabbage Fish Camp after they noticed another airboat running nearby with no one aboard.
After calling authorities, Brevard deputies and FWC officials responded to the area and reported the man, later identified as 35-year-old Randall May, was in the water four miles north of the Leroy Wright boat ramp.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Mr. May,” Northeast Regional Commander Maj. Jay Russell said in a statement. “We urge the public to please contact us anytime they see a need for assistance on the water.”
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The Good Samaritans described how they had to move the boat out of the way and lift the boater up.
“It was really sad,” witness Brittany Hendren said. “It was heartbreaking. It scared me for my husband being out on airboats, but the officer said it was the first time he’d ever seen it in 20 years.”
Holly Apgar, the other witness, added that she felt bad for the victim’s family.
“We enjoy the water all the time and it’s always really sad when you see something like this happen,” she said.
Along with recreational boating, airboat tours are popular in the area as well.
Myron and Becky Erexson rode an airboat Wednesday to celebrate their wedding anniversary while also extending their condolences to the boater’s family.
“We literally lost our son unexpectedly, and it just breaks your heart,” Becky Erexson said. “I know how they feel.”
Mike Channell of Instagator Airboat Rides said that as an airboat captain for 17 years, he’s unfortunately seen accidents happen before.
“Most people, if they drive sensibly and everything else and just mind your Ps and Qs and stay alert at the stick, you do alright,” Channell said. “But I mean, accidents do happen, no different than on the highway.”
FWC is investigating the incident.
To report a boating accident or request assistance, call 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or text 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information.
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