The following press release was sent to The Bloomingtonian by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Wednesday. The DNR has legal jurisdiction over Monroe Lake (called Lake Monroe by locals):
“For immediate release: Aug. 4, 2021
Body of Plainfield man recovered from Monroe Lake
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after the body of Ambachew Nigatu, 29, from Plainfield, was recovered from Monroe Lake.
Nigatu was swimming with family off the beach of Fairfax State Recreation Area when he went missing. Family checked the surrounding area and called 911 for assistance at 5:40 p.m. Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to do a search.
At 6:50 p.m., a member of the Monroe County Dive Team found Nigatu in 6 feet of water, unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
An investigation is ongoing. The exact cause of death is pending autopsy results.
Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted in scene by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and IU Hospital Bloomington EMS.
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