NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) — Community members are mourning the loss of a beloved former football coach and teacher who fell overboard while fishing in Narragansett on Monday.

Joe Gilmartin, 59, was fly fishing alone in a small boat near Black Point when he fell into the water, according to the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM). He was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that Gilmartin was not wearing a kill switch lanyard, which caused the boat's engine to keep running. With the DEM's assistance, the boat was stabilized and towed to a nearby pier.

Noah Clark, a decades-long friend of Gilmartin, said the tragedy was both a shock and a profound loss as he was a respected fisherman in Galilee.

"Everybody admired him. He'd go out in all kinds of weather," Clark said. "He was a tough, tough guy."

Gilmartin was a social studies teacher and served as head football coach at North Kingstown High School for 10 seasons, transforming the Skippers into one of the best teams in the state.

His work was even recognized as the Rhode Island Interscholastic League's male sports coach of the year in 2018 by former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

While Gilmartin was known for his coaching, he was also an accomplished athlete—having played both football and baseball at North Kingstown High School.

He continued his passion for the game by playing for the Salty Dogs in the Rhode Island Men's Senior Baseball League.

"He would run through walls of Newport to catch fly balls. He was an incredible hitter. A great team leader and everybody loved him there," Clark added.

However, Gilmartin’s legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements and coaching career. His impact on the community was rooted in his character and generosity.

"He was a very humble man—unassuming, always with a smile and saying hello to everybody, Clark said. "He would do anything for anybody at any time. He was just an amazing man."

In a statement, the R.I. Men's Senior Baseball League said, "He will certainly be missed down at the docks in Galilee, where he always had a smile and laugh with everyone who knew him."

Dr. Kenneth Duva, superintendent of the North Kingstown School District, also expressed his condolences, highlighting Gilmartin’s lasting influence.

"He became a coach to make a difference to the team and the program. He left a legacy behind in the classroom and on the field," Duva said. "It goes without saying that Joe left a tremendous, lasting impression on our school community."

He said counselors will be on campus over the next several days to support any students or staff.

Read Duva’s full statement below.