Florida paddleboarder known as 'Capt. Jack Sparrow' found dead in bay

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The body of a popular Florida paddle boarder, affectionately known as "Capt. Jack Sparrow," was found Monday afternoon in a bay near the Gulf of Mexico, authorities said.

Joshua Hensley, 43, was found in King's Bay, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Hensley owned Big Foot Paddle Boards in Crystal River and was noted for dressing up as the fictional pirate, Capt. Jack Sparrow, of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie series, when he went paddle boarding, WTSP reported.

Authorities said Hensley was in his pirate outfit when he was last seen at Hunter Springs Park in Citrus County on Saturday, WTVT reported. According to the Sheriff's Office, Hensley was taking his paddleboard to Shell Island to watch the sunset, WTSP reported.

Park rangers notified deputies late Sunday when they noticed Hensley's vehicle was still in the Hunter Springs parking lot, according to WTVT. The Coast Guard then joined the search, while helicopters were also used, the television station reported.

"We offer our deepest condolences to Joshua's family and friends in this difficult time," the Citrus County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. ''Captain Jack' was a beloved figure in the community and will be missed."

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