Written from press release

MONROE COUNTY, Ind. — August 17, 2026

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of an Indianapolis man who was found unresponsive Sunday afternoon in Monroe Lake.

Officers were dispatched to the Allen’s Creek area at approximately 3:53 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, after receiving a report that an unconscious person had been pulled from the water, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Jeffrey Cox, 58, had been boating with a group when he went missing while the boat was anchored. Cox was unaccounted for for approximately five to 10 minutes before he was found unresponsive near the boat, the DNR said.

Cox was not wearing a life jacket.

CPR and other lifesaving measures were attempted, but Cox could not be resuscitated. He was pronounced dead at approximately 4:55 p.m.

The incident remains under investigation.

The Monroe Fire Protection District and IU Health assisted Indiana Conservation Officers at the scene.

Conservation officers reminded people to wear a life jacket whenever they are on or near the water.