Overview

• Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a missing paddleboarder alert at 5:08 p.m. on July 14 and recovered the man’s body by 5:59 p.m.
• A preliminary inquiry found that the 63-year-old Illinois resident carried a life jacket but did not wear it when he entered the water.
• Law enforcement, multiple fire departments and the Porter County Coroner’s Office coordinated the search and recovery operation.
• Officials have not determined how the man entered the water or what triggered the incident and continue examining all equipment and conditions.
• The case highlights the inherent dangers of paddleboarding at Sagers Lake and reinforces calls for strict adherence to water safety protocols.