Detectives are currently leading a death investigation at Nathan Benderson Park.
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
UPDATE 3:35pm: Detectives are continuing to conduct a death investigation following Friday’s marine rescue. Next of kin has been notified. The decedent is identified as 18yo Jalen Smith of Sarasota. The incident appears accidental, however the investigation is ongoing.
— SarasotaSheriff (@SarasotaSheriff) July 2, 2021
SCSO
Deputies responded in partnership with the Sarasota County Fire Department to 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle in Sarasota for a marine rescue early Friday morning around 4:30 a.m. When units arrived, they learned two individuals took a paddle boat into the middle of the lake and jumped into the water when the boat began to malfunction. One subject was able to make it back to shore but called 911 when he noticed his friend was having trouble swimming.
Members of the Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Force (S.U.R.F.) responded to the scene along with members of the sheriff’s office Marine Unit. Just after 11:00 a.m., deputies recovered a deceased male in the north-end of the lake. Based on very preliminary investigation, the decedent is believed to be the missing individual from this morning’s incident.
Detectives will continue to investigate and work with the Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the identity of the decedent. Additional details including the decedent’s identity will be released as they become available.