Missing Zephyrhills Boater Located Deceased 26-082

PALM HARBOR – The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the East Lake Fire Rescue, Palm Harbor Fire Department, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to assist in the search of a missing boater in Lake Tarpon.

According to detectives, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at approximately 6:15 p.m., deputies responded to a call for service at Lansbrook Lakefront Park located at 3600 Lakefront Drive in Palm Harbor, where it was reported that an unoccupied 18-foot Carolina Skiff was found drifting in Lake Tarpon near Juniper Bay.

Through their investigation, deputies learned the vessel had been undergoing engine repairs at Boat and Motor Supercenters, located at 36851 US Highway 19 North, and employee, 22-year-old David Christopher Wilson Jr., had left the business aboard the vessel at approximately 5:15 p.m., to conduct a test drive but never returned.

Deputies from the Flight Unit conducted an aerial search of Lake Tarpon but were unable to locate Wilson. Deputies with the Marine Unit continued the search throughout the evening, concluding operations at 11:00 p.m. However, Wilson was not located.

Primary search efforts were suspended and recovery efforts resumed the morning of Saturday, September 26, 2026. Deputies and responding agencies continued their search throughout the day but were met with negative results.

Recovery efforts resumed the morning of Sunday, September 27, 2026. At approximately 7:12 a.m., Wilson was located deceased and his body was recovered from Lake Tarpon.

The incident appears to be accidental.  The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.

Additional Information:

David Christopher Wilson Jr. – (Missing Boater- Deceased)
DOB: 6/7/2004
Boat: 18-foot Carolina Skiff