Coatesville man found dead in Mill Creek
A boating accident in flooded Mill Creek over the weekend has taken the life of a Coatesville man.
Indiana Conservation Officers located the body of 44-year-old Mark Stroud at around 11:30 a.m. Monday.
According to a press release, Stroud and his friend where operating his airboat on floodwaters near his home on Saturday. Stroud's passenger told authorities he and his friend drove the airboat into the channel on Mill Creek.
While operating on Mill Creek, Stroud turned the airboat to avoid a tree that had fallen in the river. While attempting to turn the airboat, the boat took on water and capsized. The passenger was able to swim to the levee and go for help.
Ashland and Adams Township Fire Departments, along with Hendricks County Tactical Rescue Team, Indiana State Police and Morgan County Sheriff's Departments looked for Stroud and his boat until dark on Saturday, but attempts to find him failed.
The search resumed on Sunday by Indiana Conservation Officers, Ashland/Adams Fire, and Morgan County Sheriff's Department. The boat was located at 3:30 p.m. Divers were called to search around the boat, but it was determined that the water was still too swift to attempt to dive in.
The search for Stroud was again called off until the water level dropped.
The search resumed at around 9 a.m. Monday when Indiana Conservation Officers and Brown Township Fire Dept. began a boat-based search along Mill Creek.
Stroud's body was located approximately 100 yards upstream from his boat by individuals searching on foot.
"Even though the flood waters are receding in many areas they are still dangerous," said Col Mike Crider. "It is important to stay diligent in staying away from the water until the flood waters are gone. Due to the high temperatures outside, it is tempting to let children swim and play, as well as adults to get out and explore the flooded areas. There are many hidden dangers under the water and the current may be swifter than expected, turning a water adventure into a water tragedy."