Man identified in deadly Fall River boating accident

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) — A man who died yesterday while on a boating trip on the Taunton River has been identified.

73-year-old Ronald Botelho of Swansea was identified by the Bristol County District Attorney’s office.

He died after attempting to free the propeller of his boat that got caught in a rope.

As the vessel began taking on water, he and his brother, who was also on board, would end up in the water.

Botelho’s brother was able to take hold of a flotation device, while Botelho himself was unable to stay afloat.

First responders were able to remove him from the water and he was transported to Saint Anne’s Hospital where he would die from his injuries.