22-083 Detectives Investigate Fatal Boat Crash in St. Pete Beach

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
- Flight Unit
- Marine Unit
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide

Jackson Philip Christman (Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 08/04/1994
Vessel: 13-foot Carolina Skiff
 

PINELLAS COUNTY – On August 20, 2022 at approximately 9:53 p.m. deputies responded to a report of a missing boater in the area of Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach.

According to detectives, 28-year-old Jackson Christman left his residence on August 19, 2022 in his 13-foot Carolina Skiff and failed to show for plans the following day. Christman’s family reported him missing to law enforcement and requested assistance from friends and family via Facebook to help locate him.

On August 21, 2022 at approximately 6:00 a.m., Christman’s body was recovered approximately 30 feet from the shore in Boca Ciega Bay and approximately 50 feet from his vessel. Christman was not wearing a life preserver.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives were able to determine Christman struck a pylon in the water and was thrown from the vessel, likely striking his head on the pylon. Detectives say the kill switch to the boat was not connected to Christman, and the boat remained in gear at the shoreline until it ran out of gas.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.