Saved from : http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-lihole0924,0,1190175.story?coll=ny-topstories-headlines Long Island News Wednesday, September 29, 2004 Fire Island Man found dead in plumbing hole Email this story BY BILL MASON STAFF WRITER September 24, 2004 A Fire Island man was found dead Thursday, wedged head-first down a shallow narrow shaft, according to Suffolk police, which are investigating the cause. Bruce Martin, 60, the owner of Ocean Bay Park Water Co. may have died of natural causes or from an accident, Homicide Squad detectives said, but they do not believe foul play was involved in his death. Det. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick said Martin's wallet was found at the bottom of the hole. Fitzpatrick said it is possible he became trapped in the hole while trying to retrieve his wallet. Martin was last seen Wednesday morning when he went to check on water-meter equipment at 48 Traffic Ave. in Ocean Bay Park. His body was discovered by company employees in the rear yard of that house, about 24 hours later. Police said he was found in a four-foot deep sleeve hole, about three feet in diameter, at the bottom of which is water plumbing. Fitzpatrick said he was found wedged face down in the sleeve, with only his legs from his knees to his feet above the surface of the hole. Police said last night that it has not been determined how long Martin was in that position, or the exact cause of his death. His body was removed and taken to the Suffolk County medical examiner's office for further examination. Copyright (c) 2004, Newsday, Inc.