Man drowns after launching boat into water

LaPorte City Police and the LaPorte City Fire Department responded to a call about a possible downing Friday.

The incident happened at Stone Lake in LaPorte, Indiana.

80-year-old William Holmes of Gary, Indiana and his fishing partner were launching a boat from the lake’s public access ramp when the boat drifted away from them.

Holmes tried to retrieve the boat and entered the water but slipped under the surface.

He was found about 20 feet from shore and immediately transported to the LaPorte Hospital.

Holmes was pronounced dead as a result of drowning according to the LaPorte County Coroner’s Office.