Manatee County sheriff’s detectives were investigating a drowning Sept. 18 near Passage Key off the north end of Anna Maria Island.
At about 4:30 p.m., the MCSO received a rescue call for a possible drowning, according to a news release.
Two adults were swimming just west of Passage Key near their anchored boat, a 2025 Bay Marine, when they encountered a rapidly incoming tide, according to the report.
A wave caused one swimmer to go underwater and he did not resurface. The other swimmer contacted 911 and multiple agencies responded.
The victim is Walter Mallette, 49, of Pinellas Park.
West Manatee Fire Rescue and Manatee County Emergency Medical Services personnel located the victim, performed life-saving measures and transported him first to Galati Marine and then to HCA Blake Hospital in Bradenton, where he was pronounced dead.
Passage Key, a national wildlife refuge, is a short distance from an area at the north end of Anna Maria known as Bean Point, where three drownings have occurred in 2025-26.
MCSO said the investigation was ongoing.