On March 2, 2009, Cooper's capsized boat was discovered with fellow USF player Nick Schuyler was clinging to it.Washington Post: One Boater Found (March 2, 2009) The U.S. Coast Guard called off the search for the other men at 6:30 p.m. on March 3, 2009, saying they would have been found by then if they were still alive.ESPN: Search for missing boaters nears end (March 3, 2009)

On March 2, 2009, the Coast Guard discovered their overturned vessel 38 miles west of Tampa Bay, but only Nick Schuyler was clinging to it.CNN: Boater found, NFL players still missing off Florida, guard says (March 2, 2009) Washington Post: One Boater Found (March 2, 2009) St. Petersburg Times: Coast Guard finds one man clinging to boat (March 2, 2009)

Schuyler told authorities that the men had been out deep sea fishing late Saturday evening when a wave flipped the boat over. Weather reports at the time say that waves increased from 4-6 feet to 10-15 and offshore winds increased to 30-40 knots.CNN: Boater found, NFL players still missing off Florida, guard says (March 2, 2009) St. Petersburg Times: Coast Guard finds one man clinging to boat (March 2, 2009)

According to survivor Nick Schuyler, Bleakley allegedly swam off from the boat, looking for assistance after spotting a distant light on the horizon.FOXNews.com: Florida Boat Accident Survivor: 2 NFL Players Gave Up Hope