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Kayaker dies after incident near Sanibel Causeway

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation says Mark Kocher, 60, of Fort Myers Beach has died after he was found unresponsive near an overturned kayak.
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Update:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation says Mark Kocher, 60, of Fort Myers Beach has died after he was found unresponsive near an overturned kayak.

WATCH: Law enforcement recovers abandoned kayak off Sanibel:

Kayaker dies after incident near Sanibel Causeway

According to multiple agencies, Kocher was found unresponsive in the water near an overturned kayak just outside of the Sanibel Causeway.

Kocher was transported to the Sanibel Boat Ramp, received CPR and was taken to the hospital.

FWC Public Information Officer Bradley Johsnon said kayaking incidents are not common, but there are a lot of factors that could impact a smaller vessel, including weather and boat traffic. Johnson said the investigation is ongoing.

Dawn Ahern said she planned to go on a bicycle trip with her husband on Sanibel when she saw the large law enforcement response. She spoke with FOX 4 before state wildlife officials said Kocher died.

"I'm a little leery about going out in that open water 'cause we like kayaking," Ahern said. "But I'll think twice next time."

Original Reporting:

A man was found unresponsive in the water near the Sanibel Causeway on Wednesday after their vessel overturned, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

FWC said rescue crews found the man in the water near an overturned kayak just outside the Sanibel Causeway. They were transported to the Sanibel Boat Ramp, where first responders did CPR before rushing them to the hospital.

The condition of the man has not been released.

FWC is investigating the incident.

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Austin Schargorodski