Gulfport Drowning Victim Identified

GULFPORT, FL — The Gulfport Police Department has released the identity of a man who drowned in Boca Ciega Bay Monday afternoon.

According to the agency, a boater heard David Cook, 52, yelling and spotted him struggling in the water around 12:47 p.m. The boater attempted to reach Cook in his dinghy, but was unable to do so. He was able to give Cook a personal flotation device and then returned to his boat to call 911 for assistance, police wrote in an email to media.

Gulfport Police officers responded to the scene and found a man “wearing an orange personal flotation device and white underpants,” an email from the agency said. One officer attempted chest compressions while the other brought the agency’s boat back to the Gulfport Casino dock.

Cook was taken to Palms of Pasadena hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Police have said their initial investigation points to an accidental drowning. Alcohol is believed to be a factor, the agency’s email said.

No further information is being released at this time.

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