MANSFIELD – The body of a 23-year-old man from Mansfield was recovered in Charles Mill Lake at 2:57 a.m. on Saturday.
According to a press release from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD), a search had been initiated on Friday when passengers in a rented pontoon boat reported the man missing at 9:24 p.m.
Fellow passengers said the man had entered the water and not returned to the surface, according to a MWCD ranger's report.
“This is an unfortunate reminder during the busy holiday weekend that boating can be dangerous, and boaters need to follow safety precautions,” said MWCD Executive Director Craig Butler. “Our sincere condolences go out to the family who lost their loved one."
Responding agencies included MWCD Rangers, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ontario Police Department, Mifflin (Ashland) Fire Department, Lucas-Monroe Fire Department and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft.
The search began both in the air and on the water. The Ohio State Highway Patrol utilized an aircraft, and Ontario Police Department assisted with a drone, both equipped with a thermal imaging system. Efforts on the water were conducted by MWCD Rangers utilizing sonar, and ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft utilized sonar, and side imaging. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered the body.
"I am so grateful for the collaboration and quick response from MWCD Rangers and many surrounding agencies who responded quickly to bring closure to this very sad situation," Butler said.
Police had not released the man's name before press time. An investigation is ongoing.
