An Oldsmar man died after he was pulled from the water off north Clearwater Beach on Friday.
According to reports, Kadir M. Merchant, 66, was in distress around 6 p.m. in the Gulf of Mexico behind a house at 834 N. Eldorado Ave. in the residential area of north Clearwater Beach.
A passerby had noticed Merchant, then helped a family member drag him out of the water. He was taken to Morton Plant Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m.
Merchant was not a strong swimmer, according to family members on scene.
Alcohol does not appear to be a factor.
The incident occurred in a more residential area of Clearwater Beach were lifeguards are not on duty. Clearwater Beach Patrol recommends you should always swim near a lifeguard.