FENTON (WWJ) Dive teams recovered the body of a Clare County man from Loon Lake in Fenton Township after a lone dog on a boat spurred a massive search effort, sheriff’s officials said.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office said their deputies and the Fenton Township Fire Department were dispatched to Loon Lake, in the area of Jennings and Lahring Road, for a man who went missing on the water. They received the call around 12:13 p.m. on Saturday, July 12.
“His pontoon drifted ashore,” Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said. “His dog was there, but he was nowhere to be found.”
The Southeast Michigan Dive Team— which includes members from over a dozen counties and agencies— was dispatched to attempt to rescue the man.
“But as time went on, it became a recovery,” Swanson said.
The victim was identified as a 55-year-old Lake man. His name was not released.
While it’s not clear what time divers recovered his body, Swanson posted the update shortly before 7:30 p.m.
According to Swanson, no foul play is suspected.
Lake is described as an unincorporated community, of just under 1,000 people, about 30 miles northwest of Mount Pleasant.
The Southeast Michigan Dive Team is made up of divers from Lapeer County, Livingston County, Oakland County, Saginaw County, Bay County, Wayne County, St. Clair County, and Clinton County.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Fenton Township Fire Department, Fenton City Fire Department, and MedStar Ambulance also assisted at the scene.
“We had a great collaboration of resources to bring closure to this family,” Swanson said. “If you could pray for the family, they have lost a loved one. And also, for all those first responders who sacrifice their safety for other people, this is what it looks like. A tragedy and yet closure.”