Bristol County man killed in jet ski accident died doing what he loved, remembered as one of a kind

A Bristol County man who died in a jet ski accident this past weekend is being remembered.

According to police, on Saturday, at 4:23 p.m., the Rutland Police Department and the Rutland Fire Department were dispatched to Turkey Hill Pond for a report of a jet ski that had turned over in the water, and the operator had disappeared under the water. Witnesses reported that the individual appeared to be in distress before going under.

Responding units searched the area in boats and on the shore, attempting to locate the man. Additional assets responded to Turkey Hill Pond to assist, including the Fire District 8 Dive Team, several area fire departments, the Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Sadly, at approximately 7:49 p.m., divers recovered the body of 46-year-old Thanasi Mitros of Attleboro.

Family members say that Mitros died doing what he loved, being on the water. Mitros’ stepdaughter stated that he was always proud of everyone around him and cared more for others than himself. Friends say he was one of a kind and would do anything for anyone.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized for funeral expenses.

The causes and circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated by the Rutland Police Department, with the assistance of the Massachusetts Environmental Police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.