Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Sven Torsell (Deceased)
DOB: 03/04/1949
Address: 33231 Betts Drive, Wesley Chapel

Jack Graham (Friend and neighbor)
DOB: 10/31/1941
Address: 33331 Betts Drive, Wesley Chapel

Kris Vantine ( Friend)
DOB: 01/23/1952
Address: 4125 Apple Blossom Road, Lutz

What:
Deputies investigate the drowning of a Wesley Chapel man on Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg. Deputies say the incident appears to be accidental in nature.

When:
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Where:
The incident occurred on Gandy Beach in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Deputies investigate the drowning of a Wesley Chapel man on Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg.

According to deputies, 69–year-old, Sven Torsell, 76-year-old, Jack Graham, and 67-year-old Kris Vantine were on Gandy Beach. The victim Torsell went into the water just south of Gandy Beach in unincorporated St. Petersburg. After approximately 30 minutes a passing boater alerted Graham and Vantine their friend appeared unresponsive in the water.

Graham went to check on Sven who was found unconscious, unresponsive, with his head partially submerged under the water. Graham pulled Sven from the water and called 911. 

Deputies say upon their arrival paramedics were performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Sven.

Sven was transported by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Hospital with life threatening injuries. He was pronounced deceased at about 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Deputies say the incident appears accidental in nature.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.