FORT MYERS BEACH
A man known as the “Pirate of Fort Myers Beach” will be remembered as a hero after losing his life saving his fiancee and their dog by pulling them from their flooded home during Ian.
While it’s not uncommon for pirates to be role models, there’s an exception to every rule.
“He was a loyal guy. He would do anything for you if he could, said Mike Yost, the pirate’s best friend from Fort Myers Beach.
Damon Utterback, also known as the Fort Myers Beach Pirate, has given new meaning to piracy.
“He was very loyal to his friends … sometimes to a fault,” Yost said.
Utterback took a lot of inspiration from the Pirates of the Caribbean films when developing his pirate persona.
“He was known as a pirate on the beach,” Yost said. “His costume was authentic. He had his own rings. And he had balls. And he had a belt.”
front, which made it easy to get his nickname due to his costume, his spirit and demeanor are the reason why he is loved and admired.
“They said the water was going into their yard but they would be fine. And that was the last time anyone heard from him,” Yost lamented.
The relentless waves and storm surge increased in ferocity and size over time.
“We could see the waves just coming in … my buddy John was one of the last ones to talk to him,” Yost said. “And we said, ‘Let’s go find Damon.’
When they didn’t hear from Utterback after the storm, Yost knew something was wrong.
“I went around the corner … and when I got there … and the neighbor was there, and I said, where are Teresa and Damon? And they said, “Teresa is there, but Damon didn’t make it.” And I said: well, where is he? And they pointed to his house, and he was hanging out of the window,” Yost recalled.
Saving his fiancée and their dog, Peanut, from overexertion, Atterbeck paid a heavy price.
According to the Florida Medical Examiner’s report, Atterbuck tried to escape the flood himself, but hit a window and drowned.
Utterback died because of his selflessness, commitment and loyalty, and that is how he will be remembered.
