A man who plopped into the Pacific from a helicopter that was about 300 feet above the waves died today, authorities say.

Police say the operator of a private chopper that was near Balboa Pier in Newport Beach reported that a passenger went into the water about 1 p.m. Cops don't think it was a stunt gone sideways:

Rather, Newport Beach police said in a statement, they think the guy might have ended his life on purpose:

The incident is being investigated as a possible suicide.


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Police say the man is 60. But they would not release his name until loved ones could be notified of his passing.

After the man fell into the water a search was conducted by Newport Beach Lifeguards and Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol. They found him, police said:

Lifeguards brought the man to shore and initiated lifesaving efforts. Newport Beach Fire Department medics transported the man, who was in critical condition, to a local hospital, where he succumbed to the injuries sustained as a result of his fall.

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