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Authorities investigating after body found in lake

MORGAN COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) – Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered in a lake late Thursday evening.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the body of 39-year-old Richard Schmidt was discovered in Echo Lake around 11 p.m.

Both Schmidt’s body and vehicle were recovered from the lake.

Schmidt was last seen on the evening of July 20 by his girlfriend. Schmidt’s family reported him missing on July 21.

Schmidt’s sister who lives next to Echo Lake, alerted police after discovering an oil slick on the lake.

Authorities said it is yet unknown how or why Schmidt drove the vehicle into the lake.

Preliminary autopsy results revealed that Schmidt’s death was due to drowning.

The case remains under investigation.