Boating fatality on Nov. 19 ruled a heart attack

DOVER (Nov. 28, 2012) – The cause of death for an Ocean View man who died Nov. 19 while fishing aboard his boat in the Indian River Inlet has been ruled a heart attack by the Delaware Medical Examiner’s Office.

Richard M. Butewicz, 68, was fishing alone that morning when stricken with the heart attack. An investigation by DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement agents found that passing boaters had attempted to render aid after seeing the 21-foot fishing boat adrift in Indian River Inlet near South Shore Marina.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Enforcement Section is charged with achieving public compliance through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public safety. Citizens are encouraged to report fish and wildlife and boating violations to the Delaware Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section at 302-739-4580.