One year after the body of a fishing captain was pulled out of the water near the Alva Boat ramp, FWC is telling NBC2 why his family and friends don't have clear answers as to what happened.
FWC says delayed test results are the reason for not releasing an update in the investigation of Chris Giangeruso's mysterious death.
“It’s like it’s still happening... there’s no closure... there’s no peace of mind,” said Benjamin Burns, a close friend who considered Giangeruso family.
Giangeruso, 65, was a commercial fishing captain who lived with the Burns family on Tuckahoe Road in Alva for years.
“My wife always said he was the nicest a-hole you ever met,” Burns joked, remembering his friend. “He was a big softie. That’s what I’m trying to get at.”
NBC2 first reported on this tragic case last November when Giangeruso went out on the water with a friend. According to investigators, the fishing buddy that was with him returned to shore but waited nearly 48 hours to report Giangeruso missing.
Deputies scoured the Caloosahatchee River before eventually discovering Giangeruso’s body. Despite the extensive search and investigation, no arrests have been made.
“The amount of time it’s taken... seems like they should have figured something out,” Burns said. "I guess I'd just like to know what happened.
Burns said Giangeruso was an excellent swimmer and experienced captain. “He was 65 but tough as nails,” Burns said.
Peanut, Giangeruso's beloved dog, continues to live with the Burns without his late owner by his side. Burns says Peanut still sleeps on Giangeruso's pillow every night, even though it's been a year since his death.
When asked about the investigation, FWC got back to NBC2 quickly. The agency says they are still awaiting test results that have taken longer than anticipated. They promise to release new information once the results are in. You can count on NBC2 to follow up when there's an update.
The fishing buddy friends say Giangeruso was with the day he disappeared. couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday.