The Old Saybrook Police Department (OSPD) is seeking public assistance in helping determine the circumstances surrounding a fatal accident where a car was driven into the water behind the Saybrook Point Inn on Sept. 24.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 24, OSPD receive a call reporting a car had been driven into the water behind the Saybrook Point Inn Resort. The operator of the car was pronounced dead at the Middlesex Medical Center. The victim was identified as Steven Mark Wahle, a 76-year-old man from Old Saybrook.

The department is asking anyone who may have information on the matter to call 860-395-3142.

According to a press release from the department, officers arrived upon the scene within three minutes, and bystanders had already entered the water, pulled the victim out of the car, and started administering CPR

In a statement Old Saybrook Police Chief Michael Spera said, “The Department extends its condolences to Mr. Wahle’s family and friends”.

“I commend the brave efforts of the citizen responders who risked their own lives, in attempt to save the life of a complete stranger,” Spera continued. The bystanders included staff from the inn and guests who had been attending a wedding at the resort including an off-duty Rehoboth, Massachusetts Police Officer the press release said.

The Guilford Fire Department Dive Team was called in and confirmed that there no other victims in the car of water besides Wahle.

The vehicle was removed from the water is in the possession of the Old Saybrook Police. The investigation remains active.