BODY OF MISSING MAN RECOVERED AT LAKE SOMERVILLE

  

Update @ 1:30 p.m. Monday: Authorities have recovered the body of a man reported missing on Sunday at Lake Somerville.

The body of 64-year-old John Ross Laughlin of Brazoria County was found at 9 a.m. today (Monday) during a search of the water by Texas Game Wardens.

According to the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office, Laughlin was reported missing around 2:45 p.m. Sunday by a 911 caller who stated he had swam out into the water at Birch Creek Park to retrieve his jet ski, which had become unanchored, but did not return.

The search lasted until nightfall on Sunday and continued at daylight this morning.

Burleson County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Robert Urbanosky conducted an inquest at the scene.  After investigation by the sheriff’s office and Texas Game Wardens, Laughlin’s death is being ruled as an accidental drowning.

Original Story @ 6:30 a.m. Monday: Investigators are continuing their search today (Monday) for a person reported missing Sunday at Lake Somerville.

The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office says it received a 911 call around 2:45 p.m. about a person who did not return from the water after swimming out to retrieve their jet ski, which had become unanchored.

Assisting the sheriff’s office at the scene were Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens, Burleson County St. Joseph EMS, AIRMED helicopter, and the Somerville, Birch Creek, and Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Departments.

The search was suspended at nightfall on Sunday for the safety of search personnel, but will resume today at daylight with additional resources and search crews.

Burleson County Chief Deputy Garrett Durrenberger says the missing person has been identified, but their identity is being held pending family notification.