Press Release

ELMIRA — Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a drowning that happened in Little Turkey Lake in southwestern Steuben County.

At 4:14 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Steuben County Communications received a 911 call advising that a fisherman was in distress in the water.

Upon arrival, responders learned that Thomas Frazie, 76, Waterloo, was fishing in a boat when, for unknown reasons, he fell in. His fishing partner got Frazie, who was unconscious, back in the boat. However, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and Frazie was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy was performed on April 19 at the Northeast Indiana Forensics Center in Fort Wayne, and the preliminary cause of death was ruled an accidental drowning.

Conservation officers were assisted at the scene by the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, Ashley Police Department, Indiana State Police, Ashley Fire Department, Steuben County Emergency Medical Services, and Parkview Samaritan Transport.

Conservation officers remind the public to always wear a life jacket when on or near any body of water.