By LEWIS SPEARMAN
HIGHLANDS The body of a man was recovered by deputies some four hours after he apparently drowned swimming from Magnolia Gardens to Highlands on Saturday.
Daniel DeLa Torre, 29, had left Beach Drive and entered the water before going under around 10:20 a.m. on August 2. Witnesses tell officials that he was attempting to swim the three quarters of a mile channel and disappeared from sight.
A Magnolia Gardens Security Officer attempted to rescue the man, according to deputy reports, but was unable to reach him. The body was recovered at about 3:35 p.m. by a recovery boat some 100 yards up stream from where witnesses had reported it going down.
Homocide Detectives investigated the incident. Witnesses said the body was bruised. The incident was ruled accidental. It was determined the hooks of the recovery boat caused the bruises.
