AN OAKLAND MAN DROWNED WEDNESDAY WHILE TRYING TO RETRIEVE A BOAT IN BELGRADE.

GAME OFFICIALS SAY IT HAPPENED AROUND 2:30 p.m. ON ELLIS POND.

OFFICIALS SAY 66 YEAR OLD ROBERT GARY HAD LAUNCHED A 12 FOOT ALUMINUM BOAT FROM A BOAT LAUNCH ON SPAULDING POINT WHEN IT BEGAN TO DRIFT AWAY FROM SHORE INTO THE LAKE.

GARY SWAM AFTER THE BOAT, BUT A WITNESS SAYS HE SUDDENLY WENT UNDER AND NEVER RESURFACED.

LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS FOUND HIM ABOUT 30-TO-40 YARDS FROM SHORE, BUT GARY COULD NOT BE REVIVED WITH C-P-R.

THE MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE WILL DETERMINE AN EXACT CAUSE OF DEATH.

THE CASE REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

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