A Pinckney man drowned on Friday, July 24, at about 7:30 p.m. after he entered the water in the Huron River Chain of Lakes to rescue his dogs.
Deputies from the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Putnam Township Fire Department, responded to Mud Bay on Portage Lake in the Huron River Chain of Lakes for a drowning in the area of Arthurs Court and Lancelot Lane in Putnam Township.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a 42-year-old Pinckney man had entered the water without a life-jacket to rescue his dogs. While doing so, nearby citizens were able to take the dogs from the man, who then went below the surface and did not resurface
The Livingston County Dive Team responded to assist. After an approximate 90-minute search utilizing boats, drones, sonar, Aquaeye, and divers, the man was found in approximately 20 feet of water at temperatures of 72 degrees and recovered. He was taken to Livingston County EMS personnel on shore where he was pronounced dead.
The Southeast Michigan Dive Group sent strike teams from Oakland, Genesee, Lapeer, and Wayne counties to assist. Also assisting on scene were D.A.R.T., Unadilla Township Fire Department, Dexter Fire Department, Pinckney Police Department, and the Hamburg Township Police Department.
This incident remains under investigation by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau.
