Man's Body Recovered From IN Lake After ORV Fell Through Ice

PUTNAM COUNTY, IN — Officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said a man that went through the ice on Heritage Lake Saturday while operating his off road vehicle (ORV) has been recovered. Officers said 48-year-old Brett Crowder, 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, which was two inches thick. According to a release from Indiana DNR Officers, the other operator was able to get off the ice without assistance, and divers located Crowder in 30 feet of water.

The Putnam County Coroner pronounced Crowder dead at the scene, officers said, adding that the death investigation is being conducted by Indiana Conservation Officers and the Putnam County Sheriff Office, planning to recover recover the ORV's at a later date.

According to a release, the other law enforcement 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.

RELATED: 'You're Always On Thin Ice': Warning From Indiana DNR Officers

Officers remind everyone to please remember that no ice is safe ice, adding 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. The warmer temperatures in the forecast for the state this week will create unsafe ice in many locations, officers said.

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