A Routine Fishing Trip Turns Tragic

On July 15, 2014, Kevin Bamper, a 46-year-old resident of Stuart, Florida, set out on a fishing trip with his 20-year-old son, James Bamper. The father and son duo departed their home around 1:00 p.m., aiming to enjoy a day of fishing at the north jetty near Sailfish Point. Their plans took a tragic turn when, later that evening, they were last seen fishing in the area. The following morning, at approximately 5:30 a.m., their fishing gear was discovered abandoned, and by 10:00 a.m., Kevin's wallet was found nearby. Despite extensive search efforts, Kevin was never found.  

Discovery of James Bamper’s Body

Six days after the duo's disappearance, on July 21, 2014, James Bamper's body was found in a mangrove area of the Indian River Lagoon, near the 300 block of MacArthur Boulevard on South Hutchinson Island. The body was badly decomposed, and an autopsy could not determine the exact cause of death. However, there were no indications of foul play. Authorities believe that both Kevin and James, who were not strong swimmers, may have accidentally fallen into the water, leading to James's drowning. ...Read More