Worker drowns after falling into water near Tampa Convention Center

TAMPA — A man drowned Monday after falling into the water while working on a dock near the Tampa Convention Center, authorities said.

Johnnie Norton, 53, was pressure washing the dock around 11 a.m. when he fell in and did not resurface, according to Tampa police. A bystander jumped in to try to help but could not find Norton.

Tampa police divers arrived and searched for several minutes before recovering Norton from under the surface. He was pronounced dead at Tampa General Hospital.

Norton was a contractor for C&W Services, a firm hired by the Tampa Convention Center, police said. According to its website, the company specializes in facilities services and management and is headquartered in Auburndale.