Missing person found dead at Hoover Reservoir following fishing competition

COLUMBUS — A person was found dead at Hoover Reservoir after they went missing during a fishing tournament Saturday afternoon.

>> TRENDING: 6 girls, ages 1-18, killed in car crash on interstate in Tennessee

Two people shared a boat while entering a fishing competition at Hoover Reservoir over the weekend. In the midst of competition, high-speed winds capsized their boat at around 2 p.m., causing the boaters to go missing, a spokesperson from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) told WBNS.

Rescue teams were able to save one of the boaters who was in stable condition; however, the other person remained missing for over a day, the spokesperson said.

ODNR rescue teams searched for the missing boater throughout Saturday, but suspended their search when stronger weather conditions made rescue operations more difficult. High wind speeds and rain reportedly stirred up dirt from the bottom of the reservoir’s floor, creating visibility issues among other obstacles.

They resumed their search at 7 a.m. Sunday, the spokesperson informed.

Columbus Division of Police dive team assisted ODNR with recovery efforts.

Unfortunately, the missing boater was found dead Sunday evening.

ODNR reminded and urged watercraft users to operate their equipment responsibly and to always wear a life jacket. Watercraft users should also pay attention to local conditions and posted advisories.

© 2023 Cox Media Group