On Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at about 5:23 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Newaygo Boat Club in response to a report of a missing 81-year-old man from Saugatuck. The man had reportedly been working on the roof of his houseboat and was subsequently unaccounted for.

Upon arrival at the location in Stanwood, rescue personnel initiated search efforts using sonar equipment, which detected a possible object consistent with a person in the water. The Mecosta County Dive Team responded to the scene and successfully recovered the victim within about 10 minutes of entering the water. Mecosta County EMS immediately initiated lifesaving measures; however, despite all efforts, the victim could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies were assisted at the scene by Mecosta Township Fire/Rescue, Big Prairie Fire/Rescue, Big Rapids Fire/Rescue, Morton Township Fire, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Mecosta County Dive Team, Mecosta County Victim Services, Mecosta County EMS and the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Release courtesy of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.