Man dies after driving off fishing pier in Biloxi

A Florida man died Sunday night after driving off the fishing pier off Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer said 67-year-old Paul Costello of Milton, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene after first responders pulled the vehicle he was driving out of the Back Bay shortly after 1 a.m.

WXXV News 25’s Jordyn Lassiter went to the pier to find out the story. Several fishermen on the pier shared their shock and speculated about the events leading up to the tragic accident. 

Fred, a seasoned fisherman from Biloxi, noted that the pier could use stronger reinforcement. He suggested that Costello’s unfamiliarity with the area, combined with speed, likely contributed to the accident, as he may not have realized the pier ended so abruptly.

With bringing in so many tourists every year, this incident leaves many people in the area calling for the city to better secure the area to prevent deaths like these.