Generator fumes kill 46-year-old man on Manatee River while he was sleeping, police say
A man is believed to have died from carbon monoxide fumes Thursday afternoon while sleeping on a boat in the Manatee River, police said.
His wife and two dogs are also believed to have gotten sick from the fumes from a generator, according to the Palmetto Police Department.
Police responded to a call from his 35-year-old wife who said the boat was moored in the Manatee River, just west of the Green Bridge and Safe Harbor Marina.
The woman told police she woke up and found her husband, Enoch Forte, 46, unresponsive. She also said she was unable to stand up.
Police say they found a small generator running next to the boat’s air conditioner that filled the cabin with the smell of exhaust. They said there were no injuries or signs of foul play.
Enoch Forte was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Forte’s wife, who was lethargic and unsteady on her feet, was evaluated at Manatee Memorial Hospital. The dogs were treated at Manatee County Animal Control.
Forte’s wife and dogs are expected to recover, police said.
An investigation into Forte’s death is ongoing. Palmetto police said the Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to determine the cause of death.
