UPDATE: March 26 at 5 p.m.
The Madison County Coroner’s Office has identified two men who were found dead in a Richmond lake Wednesday night. Preliminary results from the coroner’s office indicate drowning was the cause of death.
Mike St. John said he comes to Wilgreen Lake two to three times a week., and said that the fishing community is a part of the reason why enjoys visiting the lake.
“Over the weekend we was here and I think there was almost 30 boats on this water,” he said. “Every time I've been down here, you know, everybody's friendly.”
That’s one of the reasons St. John was shocked to learn that two bodies were found in the lake Wednesday night.
“You never hear that here and whatever happened, I mean it's just sad,” he said. “You don't hear of people drowning out here.”
The Madison County Coroner’s Office said 64-year-old Ronnie Rollins and 63-year-old Anthony Hoover were found in the water across the lake on the opposite side of the dock. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is currently investigating.
“Whether they went into the water to attempt to save them or they themselves, fell overboard, we're unsure,” said Game Warden Mitchell Weekley. “We're pretty confident that one went overboard first, the other attempted lifesaving rescue measures, was unsuccessful, and ultimately went in the water as well.”
Weekley said the men had been on the lake since 8 a.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived at the scene that night, they found safety equipment in the water near the boat, and near the bodies.
“Within 10 to 15 yards of the boat we observed safety equipment in the water where there was an apparent attempt at a rescue,” said Weekley. “A type 4 throwable was found in the water as well as a life jacket.”
According to Weekley, the pair had more safety equipment on board than is required by Kentucky law, but neither of them were wearing a life jacket.
Weekley also said he does not believe there was any fault with the safety equipment, adding a reminder to use extra caution when out on the water.
“Your life jackets, most people think that, ‘I'll have them on board. That's enough to save my life if need be,’” Weekley said. “Generally speaking, you do not have enough time to recognize that there is a life-threatening situation, locate your jacket and put it on.
He urged the public to remain vigilant regarding safety on the water, frequently checking equipment and wearing life jackets whether or not they're required.
UPDATE: March 26 at 8:45 a.m.
The Madison County Coroner's Office has identified two men they say were found dead in Wilgreen Lake in Richmond late Wednesday night.
According to the coroner's office, they responded to the scene around 10:54 p.m. Wednesday after being requested by KSP and Water Patrol.
The coroner's office says that 64-year-old Ronnie Rollins and 63-year-old Anthony Hoover were found in the water across the lake on the opposite side of the dock.
According to the coroner's office, the bodies have been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy.
No other details have been released.
Original Story:
LEX 18 is working to learn more information after Kentucky State Police and the Madison County Coroner's Office were seen at the Wilgreen Lake Boat Ramp in Richmond on Wednesday night.
KSP tells LEX 18 that the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is handling the situation.
This is a developing story. Check back for the latest updates.
