A somber discovery was made earlier this week at Kokomo Reservoir Park when two kayakers encountered the body of a deceased man in the waters. The Howard County Sheriff's Department Dive team was dispatched to the scene following the discovery.

The body was recovered and identified as 37-year-old Austin Lee Tooley from Kokomo, as per the Howard County Coroner's office. The investigation into Tooley's cause of death is ongoing, pending final lab results and toxicology, following an autopsy conducted by the coroner’s office. WISH-TV provided this information.

This incident has prompted a wider investigation as officials seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding Tooley's death. According to a news release from the Kokomo Police Department, the kayakers notified an Indiana DNR officer of an unconscious individual near the reservoir, leading to the activation of the dive team and the eventual identification of the deceased. These details were reported by FOX59.

The local community and law enforcement officials are awaiting answers, looking to piece together the final moments of Tooley's life. Sergeant Erik Fogg of the Howard County Sheriff’s Department is the lead investigator, and the Kokomo Police Department has made a call to the public for any additional information that may assist in the investigation. An information hotline has been made available, and WRTV shared that the case remains under investigation.

Authorities have not yet released information about whether Tooley's presence in the water was due to an accident, foul play, or other circumstances. The community looks on as the inquiry unfolds, hoping for closure and understanding. Officials have encouraged anyone with information to contact Sergeant Fogg at 765-456-7369 or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at 765-456-7017.