MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP -- The body of a Mansfield man was pulled from Charles Mill Lake early Saturday morning, according to a press release from the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.
The 23-year-old was not identified at the time of publication. The Ashland County Sheriff's Office deployed its dive team, which discovered the body just before 3 a.m., the press release stated.
"This is an unfortunate reminder during the busy holiday weekend that boating can be dangerous, and boaters need to follow safety precautions," MWCD Executive Director Craig Butler said in the release.
“Our sincere condolences go out to the family who lost their loved one. I am so grateful for the collaboration and quick response from MWCD Rangers, and many surrounding agencies who responded quickly to bring closure to this very sad situation.”
Authorities were called at 9:24 p.m. Friday after a man entered the water from a rented pontoon boat and did not return, the MWCD noted.
A number of emergency personnel were called in to assist, including the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office and ODNR began the search in the air and on the water.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol utilized an aircraft, and Ontario Police Department assisted with a drone, both equipped with a thermal imaging system. Efforts on the water were conducted by MWCD Rangers utilizing sonar, and ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft utilized sonar, and side imaging.
No further comment was available on Saturday afternoon. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.