Man on video call with relative steps into pond and drowns, Florida cops say

A man drowned during a video call when he entered a pond while chatting with a relative, according to investigators in North Florida.

It happened just before midnight on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at an apartment community south of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Maps show the area has a large pond with no barriers or fencing.

“Upon arrival, a (man) was located deceased in a retention pond. The JSO Dive Team responded and removed the victim,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Thus far, the investigation has revealed the victim was consuming alcohol while on a video call with a family member. The victim decided to enter the pond while still on the call.”

He then vanished from view as the family member watched and did not reappear, officials said.

The family member then contacted the man’s roommate, “who responded to the pond, but could not locate the victim. At that point he contacted JSO.”

Foul play is not suspected, but the Medical Examiner’s Office investigating “to determine the cause of death.”

This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 10:31 AM with the headline "Man on video call with relative steps into pond and drowns, Florida cops say."