GATES COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - An elderly man died while fishing in Gates County on Saturday.

State wildlife officers were called Saturday to the Chowan River after people saw an unoccupied boat drifting near Winton Park.

During an underwater search, the body of 75-year-old James Newton, of Roanoke Rapids, was found near his boat.

He did not have his life jacket on when they found his body, North Carolina Wildlife said in a news release.

Officers say their investigation into the death is ongoing, and the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Officers ask boaters to wear a life jacket while on the water as accidents are unexpected and quick to happen.

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