VENICE, Fla. — A landscaper in Venice drowned on Friday in a freak accident involving a lawn mower, according to fire rescue and police.
The 34-year-old victim, who has not been identified, was found trapped in a lake underneath an upside-down zero-turn lawn mower.
The victim was at the Lakes of Capri condominium complex as part of a landscaping crew.
Fire responders got the man out and attempted CPR, but the victim was later pronounced dead at Venice Regional Bayfront Health, according to police.
Officials say the victim got too close to the inclined edge of the lake while operating the mower, causing it to flip on top of him.
The water he was found in was approximately 4 feet deep, officials say.
The man's co-workers discovered the mower in the lake, but thought the victim made it out safely.
Police say the investigation will continue as an accidental drowning death.
Venice Fire placed a Hazmat boom around the mower to absorb the spilled fuel.
