N.C. man identified in fatal fall at PortMiami

Clemson student Kendall Wernet, 20, struck by cruise ship's radar dish, friend says

MIAMI – A 20-year-old North Carolina man who fell to his death from a cruise ship at PortMiami attended Clemson University.

Kendall Wernet was identified by Miami-Dade police Tuesday.

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Wernet was on board the Carnival Ecstasy as it was returning to port when he fell from the ship's forward mast and landed on the deck. Police said Wernet's fall was the equivalent of two decks of the ship.

Wernet was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he later died.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Clemson student Kendall Wernet, a junior management major from Arden, N.C.," Clemson University Dean of Students Shannon Finning said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends, and we stand ready to help them through this difficult time."

According to WYFF in South Carolina, a friend of Wernet's who was with him on the ship claims Wernet was on the mast to watch the sunrise when the radar dish struck him and knocked him off.

Steve Acorn, owner of Student Painters, said Wernet was on the cruise with more than 100 of the company's other top achievers. Acorn said Wernet was not drinking at the time of the fall and referred to him as the kind of guy whom, "if you had a daughter, you'd want him to marry her."

Carnival Cruise Lines said Wernet was in a restricted area of the ship at the time of the fall.

Police said the circumstances surrounding Wernet's death remain under investigation.

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About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.