The Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the victim, who died as a result of drowning on Sunday afternoon at Mayo Park in Milton, as John Lee Kazee, 43.
In a press release from the SRSO, investigators say there is no indication of foul play at this time. However, detectives with the SRSO’s Major Crimes Unit is continuing the investigation.
The press release states Kazee, a Milton resident, was observed walking along the edge of the water at the park on Sunday afternoon, where he removed his shoes and rolled up his pants. Kazee then entered the water and began wading across the river. In the report, a witness then observed Kazee going underwater. The witness, who was unable to swim, attempted to assist Kazee with a branch.
As the attempt failed, the witness then called 911, the report said.
First responders from the Milton Fire Department were the first to arrive on scene. Crews from Milton Fire and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission searched for Kazee using boats and rescue divers. Authorities located Kazee and removed him from the water at 5:30 p.m. when he was pronounced as deceased, according the the SRSO.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: SRSO: Milton man identified in drowning at Mayo Park