Florida

North Florida Boy's Body Recovered After Being Knocked Off Boat

The boy wasn't wearing a personal flotation device, officials say.

Sheriff's officials say they've recovered the body of a 9-year-old north Florida boy who went missing after being knocked from a boat during a fishing trip.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office reports that Jonathan "Tate" Ricks was found dead early Monday morning. Ricks and a 50-year-old family friend were tossed into the St. Johns River on Saturday evening when a larger boat hit their 14-foot vessel. The crash occurred near the U.S. 17 Memorial Bridge in East Palatka.

Officials said Sunday that preliminary investigations indicate the boy wasn't wearing a personal floatation device.

The Florida Times-Union reports the man tried unsuccessfully to help the boy but lost him in the water. The man made it to shore and was taken to a hospital.

Officials searched by air and boat.

Copyright The Associated Press
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