Coroner Identifies Body Found In River
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office has identified the dead man found in Tippecanoe River Wednesday as 65-year old Thomas Schmeltz, of Bourbon.
The preliminary cause of death has been determined to be drowning.
Detectives with the Indiana State Police conducted a death investigation after Schmeltz’s body was found Wednesday.
Around 3 p.m., Indiana Conservation Officers found his body in the Tippecanoe River in Kosciusko County near Ind. 10 and Ind. 19.
On Monday, Marshall County Central Dispatch issued an “attempt to locate for welfare check” on Schmeltz.
Schmeltz was described as 65 years old, 5 feet 10 inches and 300 pounds. He had shoulder-length salt-and-pepper-colored hair and hazel eyes.
It said Schmeltz used a walker and had several medical issues.
His car was found several days ago near state roads 10 and 19 near the Tippecanoe River.
