BAY PINES – Detectives are investigating a fatal boating crash that occurred near the Bay Pines Bridge on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 2:53 p.m. on August 27, 2025, to the area of 9600 Bay Pines Boulevard after receiving reports of an unmanned boat that had crashed into Stebbins (aka Archie’s) Island at high speed.
The investigation revealed that the vessel was on a sea trial and was operated by 56-year-old Pal Pataki, of Clearwater, who was not the boat’s owner. During the operation, Pataki was ejected into the water. His body was recovered, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives said the cause of death remains under investigation, but does not appear suspicious. Impairment is not believed to be a factor in the incident.
Next of kin has been notified.