A body found in Wood Creek Lake Thursday morning has been ruled an accidental drowning by Laurel County Deputy Coroner Kris Vanover.
Robert Burns, 82, of 502 E. 3rd St., was found floating in the lake with a rope tied around his waist and to a docking post.
Burns was found by two fishermen about 10 a.m. Vanover pronounced him dead at the scene.
“We were putting our boat in and we found him tied up at the post at the end of the dock,” said a fisherman who did not want to be identified.
The man said he and his brother reported the body to dock workers, who called 9-1-1.
Authorities were dispatched to the scene about 10 a.m. Crews responding to the scene requested a detective and a coroner about 10:15.
According to Laurel County Sheriff Fred Yaden, the man had a rope tied around his waist, which was attached to one of the dock posts.
After speaking with Burns’ wife, Vanover said he often fished near the boat dock, usually from the bank. Vanover said Burns, who could not swim, apparently tied himself to the dock in case he fell in the water.
The Major Crimes Task Force investigated the incident, with Laurel County Sheriff’s Detective Tommy Johnston leading the investigation.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo by Carol Mills
June 30, 2009
Death ruled accidental drowning
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