Divers pull 2nd body from Kosciusko Co. quarry
LEESBURG, Ind. (WANE) Indiana Conservation Officers pulled a second body from a rock quarry in Kosciusko County early Monday, hours into a second day of a search for a missing ice fisherman.
Members of the DNR Dive Team and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department started their search and recovery operation Sunday night after being alerted of ice fishing equipment next to a large hole in the ice. A witness told investigators the equipment had been on the ice all day.
According to DNR spokesman Officer Jonathon Boyd, there was evidence someone had fallen though the ice. Around 7 p.m. Sunday, conservation officers pulled the body of Dustin Reaker, 29, of Bremen from the Leesburg Quarry.
The search for his fishing partner, 41-year-old Allen Stattler’s of Dowagiac, Michigan, continued Monday. Just before noon, officers using a remotely operated submersible vehicle found Stattler’s body in the water. Divers recovered him.
Boyd said while the investigation is still ongoing, it appears this incident may have been a “heroic tragedy.” He said it’s possible one of the men was attempting to rescue the other after falling through the ice during their Friday night fishing trip.
Boyd reminded people to use a coast guard-approved life jacket anytime they are on or near the water.
Multiple fire/rescue agencies and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department assisted conservation officers in their search.