Cruiser Suicide?

The body of William Hoffman was found aboard his boat Dark Star, type unknown, on March 6 at the Perula anchorage in Chamela Bay on Mexico’s Gold Coast. Apparently other cruisers had alerted the Navy to the lack of activity on the boat and a strong odor emanating from her.

The navy secured the Ilwaco, WA-based boat, then towed her to Barra de Navidad.

As of now, the death is being considered a suicide. Sources tell us this was based on the fact that Hoffman’s wrists were cut, there were no signs of a struggle, nothing seems to have been taken from the boat, the boat was not in disarray, and there was a partially completed suicide note.

Nonetheless, Charlie Free, a friend of Hoffman’s, feels as though suicide is totally out of character with Hoffman. He’s seeking information from anyone who might have had any contact or even seen Hoffman in February or early March. Free can be reached by email.