The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Va., reports the report released Tuesday by the chief medical examiner's office said Richard Snead, 60, drowned.

His body was discovered early Sept. 17 by a tourist walking on a Kill Devil Hills beach.

Snead and his wife were vacationing in Corolla, about 30 miles north of where he was found. She reported him missing when he didn't return from a late-night swim on Sept. 12.

An initial autopsy conducted at East Carolina University said Snead died of shark bites. But in October, the medical examiner said the death appeared to be a drowning and remained under review.

Neighbors said Snead had a passion for the outdoors and they are not surprised he went out for a swim.

"He decided to go around 7:30 for a swim, went out by himself, but never came back," said neighbor Al Bialek.

Bialek said swimming is one of many activities that filled Snead's life.

"Rock repelling, climbing mountains, hiking, he did everything," Bialek said.

Bialek said nearly 20 family members were on that Outer Banks vacation, so Snead was surrounded in his last days by those he loved.

"Very good father and very good husband. Just became a new grandfather about a year ago and has another one on the way," said Bialek.

Officials said the beach was marked with red flags, warning people to stay out of the water because of dangerous conditions.

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