Airman found dead after kayaking trip

Airman found dead after kayaking trip
Adam Ziglar - Pensacola News Journal
Posted : Thursday May 29, 2008 6:16:15 EDT

An airman was found dead in Santa Rosa Sound early Wednesday morning, floating face down about a half-mile from the Woodlawn Beach boat ramp and 200 yards offshore.

Officials believe Navarre resident Airman 1st Class Eric Toothaker, 24, was involved in a boating accident. The 24-year-old stationed at Hulrburt Field went on the Sound sometime Tuesday afternoon on a kayak his wife purchased for him for his birthday. He turned 24 on Monday.

His body was discovered this morning around 6:30 a.m. this morning by Midway Fire District officials.

“The body has signs that are consistent with being hit by a boat,” said Lt. Stan Kirkland, regional spokesman with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “

Officials said Toothaker launched his kayak around 1:30 p.m. Monday.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/05/gns_kayaker_toothaker_052808/