Generator Fumes Kill 46-Year-Old Man Sleeping on Boat in Manatee River, Police Say

A man is believed to have died from carbon monoxide fumes Thursday afternoon while sleeping on a boat in the Manatee River, according to police. His wife and two dogs also fell ill from the generator fumes, reported the Palmetto Police Department.

The incident came to light when his 35-year-old wife called the authorities, stating that the boat was moored in the Manatee River, just west of the Green Bridge and Safe Harbor Marina. She reported waking up to find her husband, Enoch Forte, 46, unresponsive and mentioned that she was unable to stand. Responding officers discovered a small generator running next to the boat’s air conditioner, filling the cabin with exhaust fumes. No injuries or signs of foul play were found.

Enoch Forte was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, who appeared lethargic and unsteady, was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for evaluation. The two dogs were treated by Manatee County Animal Control. Both the wife and the dogs are expected to recover, police said.

The investigation into Forte’s death is ongoing, with the Medical Examiner’s Office set to determine the exact cause.