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Contact: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 284 State Street 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 Contact: Doug Rafferty - 287-5248

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August 5, 2012

Orland Jet Ski Fatality

Orland, Maine - At approximately 3:20 PM Sunday, Ross Staples, 52, of Orland, was operating his Kawasaki jet ski across Toddy Pond in Orland. While traveling from the boat launch to a beach, witnesses reported seeing Staples fall off the machine and get back on, though he was not wearing a life jacket. Approximately 50 feet from shore, Staples fell off the machine again and struggled to get back on. Witnesses called 911 and jumped in, eventually pulling Staples to shore and started to perform CPR. Staples was transported by boat to rescue personnel who attempted to revive him but could not. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. The incident is under investigation by the Maine Warden Service.