MIAMI COUNTY —Authorities are investigating the death of fisherman on a Kansas lake.
Just before 9a.m. May 9, the Miami County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received a 911 call reporting a water rescue at Crappie Cove on Hillsdale Lake, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.
When emergency personnel arrived, a man, later identified as 82-year-old James D. Richardson of Louisburg, Kansas was found lying on his back while bystanders administered CPR. EMS personnel took over lifesaving efforts. Richardson was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A preliminary investigation indicates Richardson was fishing alone when, for an unknown reason, he fell into the water and struggled to swim. A bystander heard Mr. Richardson calling for help and attempted to assist him. Due to the trees and submerged obstacles in the area of the lake, reaching Mr. Richardson proved difficult.
As the bystander approached him, another individual assisted in removing Mr. Richardson from the water and transporting him to the dock where CPR was initiated.
An autopsy is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.