Detectives with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the discovery of a body located late Wednesday morning in the ocean three miles offshore of Ponte Vedra Beach.
According to the sheriff’s office, the victim has been identified as Nermin Hajdarevic, 37, of Jacksonville. SJSO said accidental drowning appears to be the cause of death; however, an autopsy is planned to confirm that determination as well as to provide a positive identification.
A citizen aboard a private boat, said SJSO, discovered the body floating in the ocean and notified the U.S. Coast Guard, which then notified local law enforcement. Chuck Mulligan, SJSO community affairs bureau commander, specified that the Coast Guard said they found the body offshore directly east of Sawgrass Country Club. The victim’s vehicle was found at the Gate Trading Post parking lot on South Ponte Vedra Boulevard.
“We’re just trying to run back to see who the individual is and what was going on,” Mulligan said. “We’re actively working the case.”
The sheriff’s office said it does not have any active missing person reports that match this individual.
