COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) - The search for a boater who went missing in Coconut Creek ended with the discovery of his body, police said.
The body of 60-year-old Daniel Potter was found in Coco Lake at around 8 a.m., Thursday.
“It is sad. It’s a sad story,” said neighbor Ismail Rkmus.
Police said Potter took his canoe out in Coco Lake behind his home at around 5:30 p.m., Saturday, and never returned.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission units, along with Coconut Creek Police responded after, investigators said, someone flying their drone over the lake spotted the body.
Potter’s wife Justine said he was an avid fisherman.
“We found his oars, we found his flip-flops. His wallet was home,” she said. “His credit cards, his license, his phone was home, his work phone was home. He was out on the boat fishing. After that, I don’t know.”
“He was going fishing almost every day,” said Rkmus.
Police had been searching with dicers for several days. The lake in some parts is 80 feet deep.
“Police came and searched for him. They came, actually, several days,” said Rkmus.
Potter leaves behind his wife and 14-year-old daughter.
Justine said she will remember him for the happy moments.
“He’s a great man, he’s a family man,” she said. “He’d so anything for us.”
Police said there were no obvious signs of trauma on Potter’s body. It has been taken to the medical examiner to be autopsied.
Officials are now investigating.
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