PORT MANSFIELD — An investigation found a 21-year-old Port Lavaca fisherman drowned after falling from the jetties.
Dr. Norma Jean Farley released an autopsy report determining Tyler Johnson drowned Saturday, Police Chief David Mayes said yesterday.
Mayes said Johnson likely slipped, falling onto rocks as he fished at the edge of the jetties near Port Mansfield’s East Cut on Saturday morning.
After the fall, Mayes said, Johnson is believed to have plunged into the water.
Justice of the Peace George Solis, who pronounced Johnson dead, said he appeared to have suffered a gash to the back of the head.
“We believe he suffered a head injury, rendering him unconscious, unable to get out of the water,” Mayes said.
Mayes said Johnson’s friend tried to give him cardio respiratory resuscitation.
Officials said Johnson and his friend arrived in the area after traveling south along the South Padre Island National Seashore.
