Body of Indianapolis man found in retention pond after canoe overturns

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The body of a 54 year-old Indianapolis man was recovered Friday afternoon from a retention pond on the city’s northwest side after a family canoe outing ended in tragedy.

The man was Eric C. Neithers. Conservation officers say four family members were thrown into the water when their canoe overturned Thursday evening.

The retention pond is in The Willows neighborhood on the northwest side of Indianapolis.

“The pond varies anywhere from 10 to 30 feet. The area that we’re searching is between 10 and 20 feet,” said Indiana Conservation Officer Angela Goldman prior to the body being found. “The divers are going to be able to work just under the water looking down at the bottom of the lake,”said Goldman.

On Thursday evening three people were rescued; two were taken to the hospital and have since been released.

“These retention ponds and lakes just like this are everywhere, they’re all across the state, and so if you’re going to go out just have those life jackets. Have them one, have them readily accessible, but absolutely have them with you,” said Goldman.

Conservation officers used side-scan sonar, underwater cameras and scuba divers to locate Neithers.

Brian Powell, who is visiting his sister who lives in the neighborhood, and saw the rescue operations on Thursday said it’s a reminder to remain vigilant when on the water.

“Anybody that knows anything about boating safety, you need life jackets on everybody, even if you can swim because the currents can take you away. anything can happen,” Powell said.

Powell said many neighbors know the retention pond isn’t meant for recreation. “The rules is no one is supposed to to swim or boat in the pond. It’s just to look at.”

About The Author

See author's posts