by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Sandusky -- A Hudson resident was found dead in Lake Erie near the dock at the Sandusky Harbor Marina Nov. 13 after what investigators called "an unfortunate accident."
Marina employees saw the body of Thomas N. McNerney, 58, of Hudson, at 12:54 p.m. Nov. 13 and called 911, said Fire Chief Mike Meinzer. He had been in the water too long to resuscitate and was declared dead at the scene.
At press time, the Erie County Coroner's Office had not revealed a preliminary cause of death. Meinzer said investigators suspect Mr. McNerney may have fallen into the water the night before and hypothermia may have been a contributing factor in his death.
The Erie County Coroner's Office did not return phone calls before press time.
Meinzer said Mr. McNerney's driver's license listed the marina as his address, but a passport listed Hudson.
Sandusky Police Department Detective Sgt. John Orzech said Mr. McNerney's son, who lives in Hudson, was notified.
Orzech said his department was still investigating, but "it looks like an unfortunate accident."
During the summer, Mr. McNerney lives on his boat, which was docked at Battery Park Marina at 701 E. Water St., Meinzer said. His boat had been removed from the water Nov. 12 at the Sandusky Harbor Marina location and was ready to be stored for the winter.
Orzech confirmed that a contractor had removed the boat from the water, but believed it was still at the marina.
Meinzer said although Mr. McNerney's boat had been at one dock, his body was found near the end of the neighboring dock.
Orzech said he was not sure how long the body had been in the water, but not more than 24 hours.
He said the 50 degree temperature of the water could cause hypothermia.
"He would have to get enough strength to lift his body up two or three feet to get out of the water," Meinzer said. "He may have succumbed to hypothermia. It takes your strength pretty quickly."
Mr. McNerney was not wearing a lifejacket, Meinzer said.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
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