Death of towboat operator ruled accidental

Standard Democrat

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. -- The death of a towboat operator was ruled accidental this week by the New Madrid County coroner.

Coroner Tim Clayton said the body of John Singleton of Portageville was found by an employee between 9:30 and 10 p.m. Tuesday. The body was on the floor of the engine room of Singleton's towboat, which was used to move barges on Mississippi River for Bunge Corp.

Clayton said Singleton apparently had forgotten the keys to his boat and was crawling through a porthole from the deck into the engine room.

"Apparently he missed his footing, slipped and fell," said the coroner. Singleton suffered head trauma, which caused his death.