57-Year-Old Essex Man Dies After Falling Overboard Near Middle River

MIDDLE RIVER, Md. — Authorities have recovered the body of a 57-year-old Essex man who fell overboard from a boat near the mouth of Seneca Creek over the weekend, bringing a dayslong search operation to a tragic end.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police identified the victim Monday as Todd Andrew Foehrkolb, 57, of Essex.

Emergency crews were first called to the area of Miami Beach Park in Middle River at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports that a person had fallen into the water and failed to resurface.

According to investigators, Foehrkolb was aboard a boat when the vessel struck a wake. The impact caused him to fall overboard and into the water. He did not resurface, prompting authorities to launch an extensive search of the surrounding waterways.

The incident triggered a coordinated response involving the Maryland Natural Resources Police, Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Fire Department. Multiple resources were brought in to search for Foehrkolb, including patrol boats, rescue divers and aviation assets.

Search crews worked through the night Saturday, scouring the water and nearby areas in an effort to locate the missing boater. Operations were suspended at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday, but authorities resumed the search later that day as crews continued efforts to find Foehrkolb.

The search extended throughout Sunday and into Monday. Responders deployed a combination of boats, dive teams, a helicopter and drones to cover the waterways and surrounding areas. The difficult search involved examining a broad area around the location where Foehrkolb was last seen.

At approximately 7:40 a.m. Monday, search teams located Foehrkolb’s body near the mouth of Seneca Creek, in the vicinity of Miami Beach Park. The location was close to the area where he was last seen going into the water.

Members of the Baltimore County Police Department Marine Unit and Baltimore County Fire Department assisted Maryland Natural Resources Police personnel in recovering the body.

Following the recovery, Foehrkolb’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted. The examination will help authorities determine the official cause and manner of death.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise quickly on the water. A boat striking a wake can create a sudden and unexpected movement, potentially throwing passengers overboard, particularly when they are not prepared for the vessel’s movement.

Authorities have not indicated that foul play was suspected, and investigators have continued to examine the circumstances surrounding the boating incident. The Maryland Natural Resources Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

For residents of Middle River and the surrounding communities, the incident has underscored the challenges faced by emergency responders during water searches. The coordinated operation required multiple agencies and specialized resources, including marine patrol units, divers, aircraft and drones, as crews worked to locate the missing man.

The search ultimately ended Monday morning when Foehrkolb was found near the mouth of Seneca Creek, several hours after the operation had resumed for another day.

Further details about the incident may be released as the investigation progresses and the medical examiner completes the autopsy. Authorities have not announced additional information regarding the circumstances immediately preceding the fall or the final findings of the investigation.

The Maryland Natural Resources Police continues to lead the investigation into the boating incident, with assistance from Baltimore County authorities.