Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Patrol Operations Bureau

Thomas M. Howell (Deceased)
DOB: 6/22/1962
Address: 806 Hull St. S., Gulfport

What:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the drowning of a 55-year-old man who was operating the Sun Sports Para-sail boat in the Gulf of Mexico.  The victim suffered an apparent medical episode and fell off of the vessel into the water and was found unconscious a short time later. 

When:
Deputies received the call at about 11:37 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017.

Where:
The drowning victim was operating the Sun Sports Para-sail boat in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 300 yards off of the shore when the incident occurred.  He was transported to 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach behind the Trade Winds Island Grand Resort.

Why/How:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the drowning of a  55-year-old man who was operating the Sun Sports Para-sail boat in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to deputies, the victim, Thomas Howell, was operating the Sun Sports Para-sail boat when he suffered an apparent medical episode. Thomas fell overboard and was not wearing a life preserver. Another employee reeled in the patron that was para-sailing and then began circulating for Thomas. Jet skis in the area helped in locating Howell in the water. Howell was reported to be in the water for 5-10 minutes before he was located and removed. CPR was initiated and Thomas was brought to shore behind the Trade Winds Island Grand Resort. St. Petersburg Beach Fire Department began attempting advanced life saving measures.

Howell was transported to Palms of Pasadena Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Deputies say that alcohol and/or drugs do not appear to be factors in Howell’s death.

Next of kin have been notified.

The investigation continues.