(PUTNAM CO.) – A man that went through the ice on Heritage Lake while operating his off-road vehicle (ORV) has been recovered.
Brett Crowder, 48, of Coatsville was operating his side by side ORV on the ice covering Heritage Lake when he and another rider both broke through the ice.
The other operator was able to get out of the water and off the lake without assistance.
Rescue crews located Crowder in approximately 30 feet of water. Putnam County Coroner pronounced Crowder dead at the scene.
The ice surrounding the area where the ORV broke through was approximately two inches thick.
This death investigation is being conducted by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Putnam County Sheriff Office. The ORV’s will be recovered at a later date.
Additional agencies providing divers and support include Pike Township Fire, Indianapolis Fire Department, Danville Fire Department, Cloverdale Fire Department, Wayne Township Fire Department, and Floyd Township Fire Department.
Remember that no ice is safe ice. It is recommended to have four inches of clear ice before walking on it, and five to six inches before operating an ORV or snowmobile. Warmer temperatures forecasted for the state this week will make for unsafe ice in many locations.
