Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MILFORD -ÊA Milford man apparently drowned Sunday after jumping off a pier into Dewart Lake.
Wade Miller, 41, was last seen jumping into the lake at about 6:30 p.m. At 7:53 p.m., Miller's friends reported the possible drowning after Miller was nowhere to be found.
According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, there was a 1-1/2 hour delay because they reportedly thought Miller had swum to another pier.
Milford emergency responders found Miller's body 30 feet from the end of the pier he jumped off, in about four feet of water. They believe Miller's body was under water for more than an hour.
Rovenstine said Miller appeared to suffer no head or neck injuries.
Kosciusko County Coroner's office pronounced him dead after he was pulled from the water, and an autopsy is scheduled for this week.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in Miller's death.
Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Milford Fire Department, Milford EMS, Syracuse EMS and the Kosciusko County Coroner's office assisted at the scene.
