ST. CLAIR SHORES, Macomb County, Mich., Oct. 31, 2026 — A 46-year-old Belleville man died early on Friday, October 30, after going overboard from a boat near Miller Marina in St. Clair Shores. His death followed an hours-long search of Lake St. Clair involving sheriff's marine, K-9, and drone units.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office said it was notified at approximately 2:23 a.m. that the man, identified as Narvell Campbell, had gone overboard near the marina. Investigators believe Campbell and another passenger had been aboard a 26-foot 1987 Sea Ray at the time. That boat was later recovered by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The St. Clair Shores Police Department, the sheriff's office's Marine Division and the Coast Guard all responded to the search. The sheriff's office's K-9 and drone units joined the effort before its Underwater Search and Recovery Team took over. Members of that team recovered Campbell from the water at approximately 8:54 a.m., and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office also offered condolences to Campbell's family and friends.
Investigators said no foul play is suspected, though the circumstances of how Campbell ended up in the water remain under investigation. The identity and condition of the second person believed to have been on the boat have not been released.
Campbell's death adds to a difficult stretch for Lake St. Clair this year, following a fatal two-boat collision off Harrison Township earlier in October and the recovery of a 74-year-old man's body near the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club in September.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
More on Crashes in St. Clair Shores, MI
This fatal crash happened on K-9 in St. Clair Shores, MI. We cover crashes across Macomb County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Macomb County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a family do after a fatal boating accident?
Families can request the official incident report from the agency that responded, usually the sheriff's marine division or local police, once it's finalized. It's also helpful to ask whether an autopsy or additional review is planned before making arrangements.
How are deaths like this investigated?
Agencies typically examine the vessel, interview any witnesses or surviving passengers, and review weather and lake conditions at the time. Results are usually shared only once the review is complete.
How long do these investigations typically take?
Timelines vary widely. Straightforward cases can close within weeks, while ones involving unclear circumstances, toxicology, or multiple agencies can take months.
Does alcohol or impairment usually play a role in overnight boating incidents?
It can, but investigators don't confirm impairment until toxicology results and witness accounts are reviewed. No such finding has been released in this case.
