Body of New York man recovered from Monroe Lake

MONROE CO. – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after the body of a New York man was recovered from Monroe Lake on Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 3:52 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to Paynetown State Recreation Area after a man went under the water and never resurfaced.

Rajesh Kumar, 40, of Ozone Park, New York, was located a short time later by Indiana Conservation Officers with the assistance of the Monroe County Dive Team. Lifesaving measures were attempted but Kumar was pronounced dead on the scene.

Witnesses stated that Kumar jumped off a boat to swim, and then never resurfaced after going under the water.

No life jackets were being used at the time of the incident. 

Assisting agencies include the Monroe County Dive Team, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana University Health Ambulance, and the Monroe County Fire Department.