BILOXI, Miss.- Authorities in Mississippi said one person died after driving a car into the water near Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi on Sunday night.
Officials say the incident took place sometime before 9 p.m. at the Biloxi drive-on fishing pier, which runs adjacent to the Biloxi Bay Bridge.
Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer says 67-year-old Paul Costello, from Milton, Florida, died in the incident.
The car was submerged in 8 feet of water, according to Switzer. A specialty tow truck with a crane was brought in to recover the vehicle and bring it back onto the pier.
Costello was pronounced dead on scene. The cause of death was ruled a drowning.
Costello was the only person in the car, according to Biloxi police.
Switzer says a toxicology report will be conducted, but it appears Costello was simply not familiar with the area and may not have realized the pier wasn’t a bridge.
Switzer also said there’s no sign Costello intentionally drove off or had a prior medical issue.
Costello was staying at the Palace Casino Resort with other people, according to Switzer. They became concerned when Costello didn’t return after leaving to go park the car.
Biloxi police are investigating the incident.
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