FROSTPROOF -- Polk deputies and rescuers have discovered the body of a 17-year-old jetski operator thrown off his watercraft Sunday evening.
A search that extended into darkness ended early Monday morning, when a drone found the body of Jose Torres in 20 feet of water.
According to the Polk Sheriff's Office, Polk deputies, Frostproof Fire Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded around 8:20 Sunday evening, to reports of a missing boater. They say Torres' jetski made a sudden turn in Lake Clinch, throwing him and a passenger off. The 15-year-old girl had on a life jacket. She swam back to the jetski but couldn't find Torres.
The Medical Examiner's Office will perform an autopsy. The sheriff says it appears drowning caused Torres' death.
Polk Sheriff Grady Judd says "Our hearts hurt today for this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Jose's family and loved ones." He says the accident is a stark reminder that life jackets save lives.
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