An 18-year-old Marion man drowned at Salamonie Reservoir Beach in Huntington County today.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the drowning death of Jordan Laute, 18. Authorities say at 3:20 p.m. a 911 call was placed to the Huntington County Central Dispatch advising of the possible drowning.
Emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene and divers from the Indiana Conservation Officers and the Huntington County dive team began searching for Laute. Witnesses stated the young man swam out past the roped barrier into deep water.
Those who saw him were not immediately able to identify that Laute was in trouble, as drowning victims often times appear to be playing in the water and splashing as if they are fine. Laute, according to witnesses, exhibited some of those signs. Once it became evident that Laute was in trouble, witnesses and bystanders attempted unsuccessfully to locate him.
Indiana Conservation Officers utilized side scan sonar to locate Laute in 9 feet of water at 6:15 p.m.
Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind everyone that the use of personal flotation devices should be worn at all times when boating, swimming, fishing or any other water borne recreational activity