Body found floating in water at Surfside Beach

SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas – A body was found floating in the water at Surfside Beach on Thursday afternoon, according to police. 

Surfside police said a resident on Thunder Road near the beach spotted a paddle boarder falling off his board at about 1:40 p.m. About 20 minutes later, she spotted the board on the beach, but could not see the man around. She called the incident in to authorities; Surfside police, the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Coast Guard began a search for the man. 

Police said surfers spotted the 51-year-old man floating in the water about 40 minutes into the search and pulled him to shore in the 700 block of Beach Road.

David C. James, of Spring, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said it appears to be a case of accidental death.