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

Bret Alexander Rule (Deceased)
DOB: 06/03/1983
Address: 162 Morgan Lane South East, Port Charlotte

What:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the drowning of a 34-year-old man who went into the Gulf of Mexico and was found unconscious a short time later. 

When:
Deputies received the call at about 6:31 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

Where:
The drowning victim was found at 4506 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach behind the Plaza Beach Motel.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau are investigating the drowning of a 34-year-old man who went into the Gulf of Mexico and was found unconscious a short time later.

According to deputies, Bret Rule was seen on the beach alone. Witnesses say Rule was acting incoherent and appeared to be intoxicated. Deputies say between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm Rule entered the water and did not return.

A passerby found Rule unconscious and pulled him ashore behind the Plaza Beach Motel at 4506 Gulf Blvd. 

St. Pete Beach Fire Department paramedics arrived on scene and life-saving measures were attempted.

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

Deputies say that alcohol and/or drugs appear to be factors in Rule’s death.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.