Fatal boat crash under investigation in Pinellas County

Cover photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by ymvf | Flickr

At approximately 10:22 am on June 19, deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), Patrol Operations Bureau, Flight Unit, Marine/Environmental Lands Unit, and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit responded to a call reporting a missing boater on Lake Tarpon in Palm Harbor — resulting in the discovery of the body of 50-year-old Mark Mayer among the wreckage.

According to detectives, Mayer left his residence on June 18, 2023, around 7:00 pm, traveling in his 19-foot Tracker vessel on the calm waters of Lake Tarpon. After he failed to return home, concerned family members made the call to report him missing to law enforcement.

Deputies assigned to the Flight Unit were able to locate the 50-year-old and his boat at approximately 11:26 am, where it appeared that his vessel had run into a dock located at 3723 Mullenhurst Drive in Palm Harbor. Next of kin was promptly notified upon discovery.

Through the course of initial investigations, the press report states that deputies were able to determine that Mayer had likely crashed into the dock and was tossed from the watercraft upon impact. Mayer's body was found in the water, just a short distance from his 19-foot Tracker vessel.

According to responding deputies, it appears that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the fatal crash. As of publication, the investigation is ongoing. This article will be updated if more information regarding the case becomes publicly available.

To read the press release from PCSO in full, click here.
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In other law enforcement news, 350 felony charges were issued as the result of a massive operation across the state. To read more about it, click here.
Article by Rachael Volpe