Photo of Myers and his family, courtesy Stephanie Taylor, family friend
Photo of Myers and his family, courtesy Stephanie Taylor, family friendOAK ISLAND, NC (WECT) – A commercial fisherman died in a fishing accident that happened off of the coast of Oak Island Saturday morning.
"It's surreal one of those things you would never expect to happen to someone you love - especially the way it happened," said his girlfriend of more than 10 years, Sabrina Todd.
North Carolina Wildlife Officer Matt Criscoe said Jeremy Blair Myers, 34, of Wilmington, was killed after his clothing got caught in a fishing reel, slamming his body into some equipment on the boat.
"My gut reaction was how could somebody that was so good at what he did - how could this happen to him," said Todd.
Criscoe tells WECT.com that Myers was by himself on his boat when the accident happened.
His uncle, who was fishing nearby, got worried when he tried calling Myers' cell phone and he didn't answer. His uncle went to check on him and that's when he discovered his nephew's body.
Officers are still investigating to figure out exactly what happened.
They're waiting for a coroner's report to determine the exact cause of death.
His family says Jay was funny, hard working and would have done anything for his three children.
"It's indescribable the love he had for them," said Todd. "He's one of those dad's you wish you had because of how good he was."
The couple was expecting their fourth child.
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