BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- A Bladenboro man is dead after falling out of his boat while fishing Saturday.
The accident happened around noon Saturday on the Black River near the Pender County line.
The Bladen County Sheriff's Office says James Waldo Todd, 59, was fishing when he fell out of his boat while leaning over the side to wash his hands when his seat broke. Investigators say he grabbed a seat cushion and tried to use it as a flotation device because he could not swim.
A second person tried to throw Todd a rope, but Todd drowned. The second person retrieved Todd and got him to the bank before going for help.
NC Wildlife is investigating with help from the Bladen County Coroner and the Bladen County Sheriff's Office.