Investigation underway after man dies in inner tube accident at Florida waterpark
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WEAR) – A man is dead following an inner tube accident at a Florida waterpark on Saturday, police said.
The accident happened Saturday evening at Pensacola's Maritime Park.
Police said a vehicle in the parking lot was pulling an inner tube placed in the retention pond. The inner tube landed in the parking lot with someone on board.
An 18-year-old man, identified as Christian Garner, was pronounced dead on the scene, according to officials.
"This is a very heart-wrenching and unusual case," Sgt. Britney Sturgeon said. "Very tragic. Just a straight tragedy, it's very tragic all the way around."
The driver was taken into custody for questioning.
Sturgeon said this is an ongoing investigation but expects to give more details in the coming days.
WEAR reached out to Garner's mother. She wasn't ready to speak about him on camera at this time.
"Christian was my baby boy," she said. "He was such a mama’s boy growing up. He loved working on cars, and he just started a new four-wheeler project. He loved to fish. He really loved his family, and we all love him so much. He was the best brother ever. My other two kids just lost their best friend."
