WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputy Brandee Smith drowned in April after she was ejected into the St. Johns River when her boat struck a wooden marker, according to a medical examiner’s report.
The office of the medical examiner said her death was an accident.
Earlier reports indicated foul play was not likely. The examiner also found blunt injuries on the deputy’s head and neck.
The toxicology report said there was alcohol in her system at a level of 0.16; blood alcohol level acceptable for boaters according to Florida law is 0.08.
The incident happened April 1. Her boat struck a channel marker as she was traveling with her boyfriend, who did not suffer any injuries. Her body was recovered the following day.
Smith was the mother of three children between the ages of 12 and 17.
