A Florida fishing community is grieving the loss of 27-year-old Nicholas Knowlton, who died after a tragic boating accident in Punta Gorda, Charlotte County.
According to a news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), authorities responded to a crash on Saturday, Nov. 1, after a 22-foot vessel struck a rock jetty near Fisherman’s Village Marina around 9:07 p.m. The operator, later identified as Knowlton, was thrown from the boat.
Nearby good Samaritans and a Punta Gorda Police Department officer pulled him from the water and began lifesaving efforts, but he was later pronounced dead.
“On behalf of all The FWC, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim,” the agency said. “Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Charlotte County Administrator Hector Flores also expressed condolences on behalf of county officials. “We will all be holding the family close to our hearts, especially his mother and our dear colleague, County Attorney Janette Knowlton, as they endure this tragic loss,” Flores said, requesting privacy for the family.
An obituary described Knowlton as someone who “died doing what he loved most — being on the water in his boat.” He channeled that passion into his own charter company, Fish Whistle Charters, where “everyone he met became his friend.” The tribute continued, “If you saw him on the water, you saw just a glimpse of the light within him. He always gave freely — his time, his help, and his care.”
The obituary also highlighted Knowlton’s dedication to improving the harbor, from cleaning hurricane debris to helping veterans and fellow captains. “His love for the water was unwavering,” it read.
Friends and fellow captains shared their memories of Knowlton. Capt. Justin Snauffer of High Tide Charters told WFTX that he was out running a charter nearby when the crash occurred. “We saw the fire boats head over that way, not knowing what had happened,” said Snauffer, who had known Knowlton for years.
Chad Peipho, another acquaintance, recalled to WINK that Knowlton was the type to stop and remove trash from the water. “Just a good, fun kid to go out with,” he said.
Kent Hickman of Power Pole National Redfish Tour also shared condolences with WFTX: “Our sport lost a great man.”
Family friend James Graeve told The Daily Sun that Knowlton “will be missed by so many.”
Knowlton is survived by his parents and sister. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said its investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
