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Police: Crews searching for man who jumped off pier
Crews look for Alexander Pickett Tuesday evening.
PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A man is missing in Gulfport after jumping into the water off of a pier.
According to Gulfport police, around 7 p.m. several young adults were playing on Williams Pier when 26-year-old Alexander Pickett suddenly jumped into the water.
Police say one of his friends jumped in after him but quickly became tired and had to give up his search.
Several employees from nearby O'Maddy's restaurant also jumped in to try to rescue Pickett. They said even as experienced swimmers that they tired quickly.
"We knew we had to help, so we went in," said O'Maddy's employee Brent Miller. "By the time I got out of the water I knew what happened to this man. He was so fatigued he couldn't keep his head up out of the water anymore, with the current. I just wish I could've helped. It's terrible."
Family members told police that Pickett recently moved to the area from Michigan and is unfamiliar with the Florida waters.
A Coast Guard search is underway.
According to police, there is a statute prohibiting anyone from jumping off the pier.
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