Florida Grandfather Dies When Boat Sinks Along Myakka River

ENGLEWOOD, FL — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has identified the grandfather killed when his boat sank along the Myakka River Thursday as 54-year-old Sheldon Young of Port Charlotte. The incident happened in the area of Myakka State Forest.

FWC spokesperson Melody Kilborn said two children aboard the boat when it sank were rescued by a Good Samaritan but the body of the grandfather was not found until later in the day. The incident happened around 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Sign up for our free Sarasota daily newsletter and news alerts

The children were identified as 15-year-old DaMarion J. Escort and 13-year-old Elijuah L. Barton, both of North Port.

"Sadly, the missing boater was located at approximately 5:30 p.m., and is deceased," said Kilborn. "The FWC sends its sincerest condolences to the families of those involved in this incident."

The children were evaluated by Sarasota County EMS and released.

First responders involved in the search included the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deployed its air unit while the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and FWC deployed dive teams.

Kilborn said the incident remains under investigation.

Photo courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission