A quiet stretch of the East Reservoir at Portage Lakes turned into a recovery scene yesterday after a resident reported a partially sunken boat off the 3300 block of South Main Street.
Deputies with the Summit County Sheriff's Office, along with area fire and rescue crews, located and pulled a man from the water. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified and is now handling the death investigation.
Authorities said the boat owner's truck and trailer were found in the old state park parking lot, and the Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate how the incident unfolded.
Multi-Agency Search Relied On Drones And Sonar
According to the Summit County Sheriff's Office, a neighbor spotted the partially submerged boat and called it in, triggering a multi-agency response on the East Reservoir.
The Sheriff's Office said search teams used drones and sonar units to locate the craft and recover the man. Crews from multiple local fire departments were assisted on the water by Summit County Metro Parks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
East Reservoir’s Busy Boating Scene
The East Reservoir sits on the main chain of Portage Lakes just south of Akron, with public boat ramps and marked speed zones running along South Main Street.
Local planning documents such as the Portage Lakes Management Plan note the lake's depth and designated speed areas. That mix of easy access and steady boat traffic is one reason searches on the reservoir often draw in several agencies at once.
Investigation Continues As Officials Work To Confirm Details
The Summit County Sheriff's Office says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the recovery, while the Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause and manner of death.
Deputies identified the boat owner as a 55-year-old man from Copley, according to the Sheriff's Office post. The Medical Examiner will complete formal identification and any required post-mortem testing. Officials have asked for patience as investigators work to piece together what happened on the water.
Local safety advocates are again urging boaters to keep life jackets on board, follow posted speed and wake restrictions, and review state guidance for safe boating on the Portage Lakes. The Portage Lakes Advisory Council links to Ohio DNR safety recommendations for anyone heading out on the reservoirs.
Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact the Summit County Sheriff's Office through the department’s website at the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
