FWC investigating Palm Beach County boating fatality

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News Release

Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are investigating a boating fatality that occurred early Saturday morning in the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach.

FWC investigators say a 35-foot, center-console vessel with three passengers struck a navigational marker in the channel, south of Atlantic Avenue.

Christopher P. Smith (DOB 06/20/78) of Boynton Beach, was thrown from the boat and was pronounced dead at Delray Medical Center. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The operator of the boat, Mandy J. Romeu (DOB 04/18/68) of Deerfield Beach, was not injured. Smith's sister, Alexandra C. Smith (DOB 02/08/74) of Hudson, also survived and was not injured.

None of the occupants wore life jackets.

The FWC is leading the investigation. Criminal charges may be filed against the operator.