On January 22, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 19000 block of Michigan Avenue in Marengo Township for a missing person complaint. The reporting party advised that her husband, a 73-year-old male, had left the residence at approximately 4:00 p.m. to take a walk on the property and had not returned. A large portion of the property was swamp land.
Once deputies arrived on scene, resources were immediately contacted to assist in finding the missing male. K9’s from Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and Battle Creek Police Department were called to assist. Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team was contacted and responded. Michigan State Police Aviation Unit was contacted to try and get helicopter assistance in searching the property, but they were ultimately unable due to weather conditions.
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team located a heat signature using the drone over the swamp area, southwest of the residence. Deputies and an area resident were directed towards the heat signature in the swamp area. Water was waist deep in areas of the swamp. The victim was located and was partially submerged in the water. Temperatures at the time of the incident were in the mid to upper 20’s. Deputies and Marengo Township Fire Personnel placed the victim onto a backboard and carried him over 100 yards through the swamp to the main roadway where additional medical personnel were waiting.
The victim was transported by Marshall Area Fire Fighters Ambulance Authority to an area hospital for treatment. He later died at that area hospital.
Deputies were treated on scene by Marshall Area Fire Fighters Ambulance Authority for extended exposure in the freezing water temperatures.
Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Marengo Township Fire Department, Marshall Area Fire Fighters Ambulance Authority, Battle Creek City Police Department K9 Unit, and Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority.
