GORHAM (AP) – A boater who fell overboard on the Presumpscot River while trying to start his motor was pronounced dead at a hospital Friday night, officials said.

Reginald Matthews, 37, of South Portland, fell into the water at about 8 p.m. and was not wearing a lifejacket, said Warden Jason Luce. He had a weak pulse when he was pulled from the water, but he died at the Maine Medical Center, Luce said. The Warden Service and Gorham Fire Department were notified by some blind friends who were on shore, Luce told WGME-TV.

They heard him splashing in the water and called for help, he said.

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