The Gary Fire Department has released additional information about a Monday drowning, in which multiple area agencies were called to help.
Jay Sheets, 28, was identified as the victim, according to a news release from the Lake County Coroner’s Office. Sheets had no permanent address.
The coroner’s office was dispatched to 3920 W. Ridge Road at 2:41 p.m., according to the news release.
No foul play is suspected in Sheets’ death, which was at 3:15 p.m. Monday, according to the Gary Fire Department.
Gary fire units were dispatched to 3920 W. Ridge Road after receiving a call at about 1 p.m. Monday. The man’s family reported that he had mental health issues, according to the fire department, and they could not locate him.
Surveillance footage showed Sheets jumping a fence the afternoon before, causing them to believe he might have gone into a pond at the back of the property.
Multiple agencies responded to help with the drowning, including the MABAS 207 Dive Team; Crown Point Fire Department; Merrillville Fire Department; Hobart Fire Department; Cedar Lake Fire Department; Lake County Tactical Rescue Team; Department of Natural Resources; and the Gary Police Department.
A spokeswoman for the Lake County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the drowning report Monday but declined additional comment because she said the department did not work on this case.
Ryan Cusack, Crown Point’s deputy fire chief, said in an email to the Post-Tribune that the team was dispatched to the 3900 block of Ridge Road at 1:37 p.m. Monday. Agency personnel left the scene at about 3:11 p.m., he added.
The Crown Point Fire Department Dive and Rescue Team helped retrieve the man. The department had four members of the dive team and two paramedics on scene.
A coordinated plan was established to search the perimeter, the Gary Fire Department said in a statement. Neighboring businesses were asked to supply security footage, and drones were sent to survey the water’s area.
The Gary Fire Department released a small zodiac boat into the water when the man’s body was spotted.
“The Gary Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the family for the loss of their loved one,” the department’s statement said. “We would like to thank all mutual aid companies that responded to assist.”
