Rescuers Recover Body of Airman Killed in Boating Accident

Rescue divers in Florida recovered the body of a 20-year-old airman who was killed in a boating accident on October 21, according to the Pensacola News Journal. The victim was identified by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as Colby Siegel.

According to Stan Kirkland, spokesman for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Siegel was thrown off a boat after it struck a channel marker in the Santa Rosa Sound. Taylor Wimberly, 19, was operating the boat, and 23-year-old passenger Derek Richards was also onboard. The three men had gone out the night before on a fishing trip.

All three men were thrown off the boat following the collision. None of the men were wearing life jackets. Richards and Wimberly were uninjured. Siegel’s body was found less than 30 yards away from the boat.

“All of Team Hurlburt is saddened by the loss of Airman Siegel,” said Col. Jim Slife, commander of 1st Special Operations Wing. “We express our deepest condolence to his family and all those affected by this tragedy.”

The full investigation, including a toxin screen, is expected to take approximately 8 weeks. Latti & Anderson LLP has secured damages in the past for families of victims killed in recreational boating accidents. Please contact our firm today for a free consultation.

Latti & Anderson LLP—Boston maritime trial lawyers.