Richard Shanor, 37, of Grand Island was aboard his family's 27-foot boat headed out to the ocean about 5 p.m. when the driver decided the water was too rough.

As the boat turned around, a rope fell off the stern and wrapped around a propeller, causing the boat to lose power.

Caught in rough waves, the boat began to pitch and sink, tossing its occupants into the churning water.

Shanor was on the boat with with his wife, brother and a niece. His wife, Genelle, 32, fell out first and was in critical condition at Jupiter Medical Center, Palm Beach County sheriff's spokesman Paul Miller said Sunday night.

John Shanor III, 39, and his daughter, Nicole Shanor, 18, fell in after her. They survived without serious injury.

Richard Shanor died while trying to keep his wife from drowning, Miller said. By the time Palm Beach County paramedics arrived, both Richard and Genelle were in cardiac arrest.

Richard Shanor died at the hospital. His wife was in "bad shape," Miller said late Sunday.

The inlet is a narrow opening in the barrier beach, about a mile east of the Jupiter lighthouse. Because of its fierce currents and shifting shoals, it is particularly dangerous for boaters who aren't familiar with it.

Miller said the Shanors, who live in the Buffalo area, were staying with relatives in Tequesta for the Easter holiday.

It was not immediately known who was driving the vessel. It was not clear whether anyone was wearing a life jacket.

Jupiter Inlet was particularly rough Sunday, Miller said. He said the family had been warned to be careful.

"You've got to be a pretty good boater to go through there," Miller said.