News Release

SYRACUSE – The Elkhart County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Phillip L. Hoover, 69, of Syracuse, died as a result of accidental drowning in a private pond located in the 70000 block of CR 29.

Preliminary investigation concluded at an unknown time on Monday, Dec. 1, Hoover fell into the pond as he attempted to rescue his dog that had fallen through the ice.

Emergency personnel were able to rescue the dog, which had no apparent signs of injury.

Final reports are pending for the Elkhart County Coroner’s Office and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.