Preliminary Autopsy: Atmore Native’s Death Was Accidental Drowning

March 31, 2011

Preliminary autopsy results show that accidental drowning was the cause of death of an Atmore native found Tuesday night in Bayou Chico.

John Thomas Hawkins IV, 35, reportedly jumped from a sailboat Monday night.

Pensacola Police Capt. Paul Kelly said a Thursday morning autopsy did not indicate any signs of foul play. Toxicology results are anticipated to be available in about six weeks, Kelly said.

A man called 911 around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday after finding Hawkins in Bayou Chico, said Sgt. Stephen Davis.

Police were initially dispatched to the Pensacola Shipyard area, 700 S. Myrick St., around 7:25 p.m. Monday after receiving a call that Hawkins had jumped into the water and could not be found.

Hawkins and his wife Angela, also 35, had been staying on a friend’s docked sailboat. Angela Hawkins told police she and her husband had been swimming all day and that her husband had been drinking. She said she was near the rear of the boat when she heard her husband, who she said was a good swimmer, jump from the front.

After about 10 to 15 minutes, Angela Hawkins said she began looking for her husband but couldn’t find him. At that point, she notified a security guard and when they still could not locate him, police were called.

Comments

2 Responses to “Preliminary Autopsy: Atmore Native’s Death Was Accidental Drowning”

  1. Judy K Young on April 1st, 2011 8:20 am

    As the mother of Angela (Angie) Hawkins, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of John’s friends that took their time & effort to bring boats to help with the search for John. You guys make me proud of Atmore.
    May God bless all of you.
    Judy K. Young

  2. cathy on March 31st, 2011 7:48 am

    Prayers going out to this family because only God can comfort them at a time like this.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News