Man, 34, dies in Hillsborough River

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 30, 2000

TAMPA -- An East Tampa man apparently drowned in the Hillsborough River a few blocks from his home Sunday night, police said.

Eric Shawn Bell, 34, of 3911 E Idlewild Ave. was standing in the river about 10 feet from the shore after 7:30 p.m.

A witness told police that Bell suddenly went under water for no apparent reason.

That witness hitched a ride to a phone and called 911.

By the time help arrived, Bell had died.

The medical examiner is investigating to determine the exact cause of death.

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