Jimmy Graves, a 15-year-old boy who attended Vero Beach High School, died after being thrown off his friend’s boat into the Indian River Lagoon. The incident is being investigated by Florida’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission who stated the operator, a 14-year-old boy, have a boating license.
The boating accident occurred around 11 a.m. on December 4th. It is being reported that Graves was thrown into the river when the boat hit a wave while towing another person on either a wake board or skis. He was not wearing a personal flotation device and did not come to the surface. Authorities are investigating whether Graves hit the propeller of the outboard motor when he fell into the water. Shortly after the incident, a search began and tragically concluded hours later when Graves’ body was found by a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office dive team near the Alma Lee Loy Bridge. A candlelight vigil was held on December 5th at Memorial Island Park in Riverside Park.
