Fisherman Who Died Off Coast Of Montauk Mourned: 'There Are No Words To Describe The Heartbreak'

MONTAUK, NY — A Tom's River, NJ man who died while fishing on a vessel off Montauk Point Tuesday afternoon is mourned by the many who loved him.

According to East Hampton town police, a death investigation is ongoing following the incident, which took place at 1:42 p.m.

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Sean R. Smida, 38, died while fishing aboard a private sport fishing vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, about 130 nautical miles east of Montauk Point, officials said.

East Hampton Town Police and EMS personnel responded to the United States Coast Guard Station Montauk, located on Star Island Road, after a private sport fishing vessel docked at the direction of the Coast Guard, police said.

Earlier that day, at 9:53 a.m., individuals onboard the vessel notified the USCG that a male passenger, Smida, became unconscious while fishing, police said.

Individuals onboard immediately initiated resuscitative efforts while the vessel was en route to the Coast Guard Station, police said.

Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears Smida may have suffered a medical emergency prior to his death, police said.

He was pronounced deceased at the Coast Guard Station by responding emergency personnel, police said.

The cause and manner of death remain have not yet been disclosed, pending the findings of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office, police said.

Smida's hometown was rocked by the tragic news.

Smida worked at Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park and was part of a close-knit group of friends who own, and are employed at, the shop.

Smida enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with others, and especially reveled in the opportunity to teach children during the Kids Fishing Clinic each summer through the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department.

"There are no words to describe the heartbreak we are all feeling," a post on the Grumpy's Tackle Facebook page said. "Today, the Grumpy's Tackle family lost one of our own. Sean Smida was more than an employee. He was family. He was a friend, an incredible fisherman, and someone who left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Sean was taken from us far too soon while doing what he loved most.

"While so many people knew him for his passion for fishing, those closest to him knew that his greatest passion was his family," the post said. "Sean was a devoted husband to his wife, Krystal, and an incredible father to Connor and Scarlett. They were his entire world, and everything he did was for them. Sean's kindness, loyalty, generosity, and willingness to help anyone who needed him made him one of a kind. He touched countless lives, and the overwhelming outpouring of love we've already seen is a testament to the incredible man he was."

A grieving community vowed to remember Smida always.

"Our hearts are with Krystal, Connor, Scarlett, and the entire Smida family as they face the unimaginable days ahead. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," the post said. "Sean will forever be a part of the Grumpy's Tackle family. His friendship, his laugh, his passion, and the memories he gave us will never be forgotten."

Smida, who also worked for Lester Glenn Auto group, was a devoted family man, his best friend, Ray Kerico, wrote on a GoFundMe campaign he started to help Smida's family.

"His family was his world, and every moment he spent was dedicated to their happiness and well-being," Kerico wrote, and it was sentiment shared over and over by people who wrote about Smida in comments on Facebook.

His death has left family and friends reeling as they shared photo after photo of him, many with his family, many with fish, all of them with a wide grin on his face.

"Sean had a rare gift for making everyone around him feel like family, always ready to listen, lend a hand, or encourage those he cared about to be their best selves," Kerico, who grew up with Smida, said on the GoFundMe campaign.

Funds raised will assist Smida's wife, Krystal, and their children, Connor and Scarlett, in the coming weeks and months.

"He was a true saint and like a father to me," Jenni Ackerman, who has worked at Grumpy's, wrote in an email to Patch sharing the GoFundMe.

"My initial impression of Sean, from the very first time I met him, remained consistent throughout the privilege of knowing him," his friend, Gary Kosty, wrote in a public Facebook post. "He was a handsome, humble, and cheerful young man, a diligent worker, and someone it was truly difficult not to admire. His presence was always felt, he would brighten any room he entered, spoke softly, and carried a million-dollar smile. He was honest and highly respected, larger than life."

Based on the preliminary investigation, East Hampton Town police detectives have found no evidence of suspicious circumstances, and foul play is not suspected, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the East Hampton Town Police Department at 631-537-7575.