Police Rule Portsmouth Fisherman's Death As 'Accidental'

Middletown police have closed the investigation into the death of Portsmouth , ruling the cause as "accidental." 

"It appears accidental," said Middletown Police Lt. Robert Nutt on Monday. "The investigation has been closed."

Gary Mathias, 48, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, after he was swept into the ocean by a large wave near the Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, Middletown police said. 

Mathias was fishing on the rocks with a friend and was just about to leave, when a large wave knocked him off the rocks and swept him into the water. 

"A big wave came in and swept him off the rocks," Nutt said. "His friend tried to grab him. He (Mathias' friend) then drove down to the Cumberland Farms down the road to use the phone and drove back for rescue." 

Police responded just after 4 a.m. to the national refuge. Sgt. Mark Minnella entered the water with a life line attached, but the surf was too rough to allow him to reach the victim. 

Mathias' body was later found floating in the surf, and he was unresponsive. The victim was brought to the Third Beach Boat ramp, where Newport Rescue personnel began CPR. The victim was then transported to Newport Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 

It is unknown how long Mathias was in the water. When asked, Nutt said, "quite awhile." The water temperature was not below freezing on Nov. 2, but the waves were described as "very rough." 

Mathias was an experienced fisherman. The rocks near Sachuest Point have been described by those who knew him as Mathias' "favorite spot." 

Calling hours for Mathias will be held on Wednesday. His  at Connors Funeral Home.