FWC releases report on teen's drowning

Report: Adam Rosier lost balance while uncle was turning boat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission released its preliminary report Friday on the drowning of a teenager in the St. Johns River.

Adam Rosier, 17, drowned on Thursday after becoming entangled in a casting net and falling overboard.

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The FWC report said this occurred around 7:15 a.m. south of the Fuller Warren Bridge.

The report said Rosier was fishing with John Rosier, who investigators identified Thursday as the boy's uncle. They were throwing cast nets from their boat to fish for mullet.

Adam Rosier was standing on the stern deck holding a 12 foot cast net.

John Rosier was operating the boat. He made a turn to the port side to return back to the spot where the mullet were congregated, the report stated.

Adam Rosier lost his balance and fell overboard with cast net in hand. He never resurfaced, according to his uncle.

"Our hearts break for the family. It's a horrific thing to lose a loved one. Prayers to the family," Florida Fish and Wildlife Lt. Paul Arkin said.

A friend of Rosier's family told News4Jax that Rosier was a hard worker and loved to be on the water.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Dive Team located Adam's body 11 feet below the river's surface.

JFRD, FWC, the Navy and other agencies were involved in the search. FWC is the lead agency investigating all boating accidents in Florida waterways.