Sunday, October 05, 2008

Boating Death On River Investigated

LABELLE,FL. -- Law enforcement officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are investigating the death of a 27-year-old Tampa man from injuries sustained in a personal watercraft (PWC) accident.

Michael Poole died at Lee Memorial Hospital Saturday, one day after the accident. Poole and his friend, 27-year-old Matt Verhusen of Ohio, were riding their personal water craft on the Caloosahatchee River at Banna Creek, in Hendry County, Friday. Verhusen lost control of his PWC, and it went airborne, landing on top of Poole, causing severe head trauma.

The cause of the accident is still unclear. The FWC continues to investigate. An autopsy will be performed on the victim.

9 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:52 PM

    Anyone who reads this article, please know that the cause of the accident was not recklessness. Mike slid off his jet ski in a curve, and in his wake, Matt's jet ski went up and unfortunately came back down striking Mike while he was in the water. There was no loss of control due to anything other than sheer hapanstance. Matt immediately pulled Mike from the water, administered CPR and ran for help.

    This terrible accident has left a lot of people deeply saddened, so please offer prayers for their emotional recovery.

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  2. Anonymous7:06 PM

    I was just informed of this news item a few minutes ago. Does anyone know if Mike and Matt were from Northern Kentucky, because I believe they may have been students of mine at St. Henry High School in Erlanger, Ky. Was Matt's name Verhusen or Zerhusen? Would anyone know? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

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  3. Anonymous7:36 PM

    Anonymous #1 is correct in saying that Mr.Browne's report is incorrect. Mike and Matt are both from Northern Kentucky not Ohio and Matt's last name is Zerhusen not Verhusen. The accident was not a restult of Matt's reckless behavior it was a very tradgic accident. Please keep everyone involed in your thoughts and prayers.

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  4. Anonymous7:40 PM

    both were students of SHDHS and class of '99 graduates both played soccer and mike was a great friend athlete and man. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Michael and to Matt. Our thougts and prayers are with you all at th time of extreme grief We all Love you

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  5. Anonymous7:59 PM

    Mike actually attended Conner High School, however he and Matt began playing soccer at age 11. While in high school, Matt played for St. Henry and Mike for Conner, but they remained friends. Mike lived in Tampa, and Matt was down for a visit.

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  6. Anonymous7:37 AM

    Your prayers are needed both for Mike Pool who was killed in this tragic accident and for Matt who survived losing his lifelong friend. Matt was with Mike all week visiting him in Florida getting some R & R and going to the beach. Just an accident.

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  7. Anonymous11:18 AM

    This accident is an unfortunate tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go to Mike's family, as well as, Matt. Mike was a free spirit and fun loving person. He will always be remembered. Matt your a great person/friend.

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  8. Anonymous10:17 PM

    I, and all of your friends here in Ky, extend our deepest sympathy, love and support to the Poole family to Matt and to his family. My heart breaks for all of you.

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  9. Anonymous4:55 PM

    Correction on previous comment. Mike went 3 years to St. Henry - not his Junior year. His sisters went to Conner. Whole St. Henry HS community mourns his loss.

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