Fisher's death was preceded by fight, investigator says
October 08, 2009, 6:15PM
The death of a commercial fisher in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Plaquemines Parish this week remained under investigation Thursday, while the victim's family and friends described him as a good man and experienced sailor.
Michael Holman, 53, was
found dead on his father's commercial fishing vessel, the MS Sharlott, Wednesday morning about 30 miles offshore near West Main Pass. Holman's death remains unclassified, and a cause of death has not been released by the Plaquemines Parish Coroner's Office. Scott Polk, chief investigator for the coroner's office, said Holman's body showed visible trauma, but he would not detail the injuries.
The FBI is handling the investigation into Holman's death, because it occurred in federal waters. FBI spokeswoman Sheila Thorne said the investigation continues.
Holman apparently got into an altercation with one of two crew members on the vessel, Polk said. One of those men was taken to West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero by a Coast Guard helicopter for treatment, while federal authorities detained the other man for questioning. The identities of the crew members and details about the altercation have not been released.
Deral Holman, the victim's father, said his family is eagerly awaiting the FBI's report, because they do not know what happened on the boat. Holman said his son and the crew were fishing for vermilion snapper, and that they regularly worked near Plaquemines Parish.
John Mallory Obert, a family friend, said Holman was a "good man and a good fisherman." Donald Holman, the victim's brother, said Holman got along well with people and did not cause trouble.
"He was a good man. He always tried to help people, " he said.
Holman was an experienced sailor who had been a fisher most of his life, Deral Holman said. He said his son was in the process of moving from Golden Meadow to Alabama. He said he hopes the family gets answers about what happened soon.
"We've got a lot to do right now, " Holman said. "He was my son . . . You know I couldn't say any bad thing about him."