Missing boater found deceased

Lance Arnold Hartkopp, 56, of 29859 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, was found deceased of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head aboard his 20-foot boat on Nov. 12 by good Samaritans who passed that information on to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, who in turn alerted the Sheriff’s Office.

Hartkopp’s boat with his remains aboard were found in the mangroves of Lois Key (also known as Monkey Island), which is located just south of Cudjoe Key oceanside, by passing mariners about 2 p.m.

Autopsy results are pending.

Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit detectives are investigating, however foul play does not appear to be a factor in Hartkopp’s death.

Hartkopp was reported missing on Nov. 5. The Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard and the FWC had been looking for Hartkopp after his 2001 Dodge Ram pickup truck and boat trailer for his white, 20-foot Chaparral® walkaround boat were found at the end of Blimp Road on Cudjoe Key by his roommate.

The U.S. Coast Guard and FWC had since ceased their water-based search for Hartkopp prior to his remains being found on Nov. 12.