Officials ID victim who fell overboard in Narragansett, former high school coach

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WLNE) — Officials with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management confirmed today the identify of a man who died after a boating incident in Narragansett.

59-year-old Joe Gilmartin died after witnesses saw him falling overboard into the water.

According to a 911 call, they could see a boat doing circles off of Black Point in Narragansett.

Lines were successfully thrown out to stop the boat and divers were able to locate Gilmartin.

According to the North Kingstown School Department, Gilmartin was a high school history teacher and football coach.

“Joe was a beloved educator in the North Kingstown School Department,” Superintendent Kenneth A. Duva said. “Joe was well known to many staff, students, and community members in our town. He was a dedicated teacher, respected by his colleagues, and students.”

The North Kingstown School Department posted to Facebook that they will “remember Mr. Gilmartin as a dedicated educator and coach.”

This incident is still under investigation.