Family says man drowned while trying to save woman faking drowning

COCOA, Fla. — Divers in Brevard County found the body of a man who drowned after reportedly trying to save a woman.

The body of Walter Perdieu, 37, was located just after noon Monday, according to Cocoa police.

About 50 people were hanging out at a pond off Grissom Parkway in Cocoa on Sunday when Perdieu jumped in, and never resurfaced.

WFTV's Racquel Asa spoke to the victim's family and they said they want the woman to be charged.

"He jumped into that water to rescue that girl who was faking drowning. It's not right," said family member Lorraine Pennington.

Police said Perdieu's body was found about 100 feet from shore in 34 feet of water.

Because of poor visibility in the water, a boat using side-scan sonar was used to locate the body. It was so clouded; divers could only see less than a foot in front of them.

"He loved him family and his friends and would do anything for anybody. You could be stranded in your car 30-50 miles away and he would jump in his car and rescue you," said Pennington.

Perdieiu's family said it was the same caring attitude that put him in a dangerous and deadly situation.

So far, police said they are not charging the woman who supposedly pretended to be drowning.

Police said Perdieu's death is still considered accidental.

"Our investigators will be talking with all the witnesses and all the people that saw it happen just to make sure it was accidental," said Barbara Matthews of the Cocoa Police Department.

Family members said they just want closure.

"I know she is 20 years old, but you know right from wrong. You don't do something like this," said Pennington.

Police are not releasing the name of the woman at this time.

WFTV