Anderson man drowns while fishing in Henry County Reservoir

Indiana Conservation Officer press release

The body of an Anderson man was recovered from Westwood Park Reservoir in Henry County.

Jeff Maxwell, 61, was pulled out of the water after nearly three hours of search operations.

A 911 call came in to Henry County Dispatch Sunday, Aug. 2, at approximately 2:34 p.m. Maxwell was located by ICO sonar operators, and the recovery was made at approximately 5:13 p.m., by Conservation Officers and Henry County Sheriff’s Department divers.

Maxwell and a passenger were fishing on Maxwell’s small pontoon boat.  According to his passenger, Maxwell was at the back of the boat operating the trolling motor when he leaned over, causing the boat to tip and eject both occupants. After resurfacing, Maxwell held onto a throwable personal flotation device while the passenger swam to retrieve the boat. After retrieving the boat, the passenger could not find Maxwell.

Exact cause of death is pending autopsy results. Next of kin have been notified.

Source: Mark Baker, Indiana Conservation Officer.