Gaus, Larry E. (Death from drowning)

GAUS

Posted By: Jane Adams (email)
Date: 12/17/2006 at 22:25:03

Fairfield Ledger
Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006, pg. 1.

Fairfield man drowns in Walton Lake

Larry E. GAUS, age 63, of 2310 Walton Road, drowned in Walton Lake early Saturday morning.

According to a press release from the Fairfield Police Department, the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Center received a call of “a man under water” at about 12:58 a.m. from the Walton Club, 2265 Walton Road.

Upon arrival, the Fairfield police officer’s rescue attempts were unsuccessful, and several emergency service agencies were called in to help with the recovery operation.

Fairfield Police Chief Randy Cooksey said Air Evac Lifeteam helicopters flew above the lake to shine lights into the water to help in the recovery effort.

He also said the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office dive team and the Iowa Volunteer Water Rescue Team from Keokuk were called in to help.

“They’re trained in water rescue as divers.” Cooksey said. “They were a lot of help with their expertise in recovering the body.”

The body was recovered later Saturday about 12:54 p.m. through a dragging process, and transported to Jefferson County Hospital.

The funeral for Larry GAUS is set for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Behner Funeral Home. Visitation opened this morning and will continue through 8:30 p.m. with family present to receive friends from 6-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. A complete obituary is on page 8 of today’s Ledger.

Cooksey said, according to witnesses, GAUS was attempting to swim home from the Walton Club. His home was across the lake from the club.

“We’re fortunate that [drownings in Fairfield] don’t happen often,” said Cooksey. “This is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of using caution when swimming and of swimming in designated areas.”

In addition to the Fairfield Police Department, Air Evac Lifeteam, Wapello County Sheriff’s Office dive team and the Iowa Volunteer Water Rescue Team, the recovery operation also was aided by the Fairfield Fire Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Area Ambulance, Jefferson County Police Reserve, Jefferson County Emergency Management, retired Fairfield fireman Lee Morton, retired police sergeant Edd Felgar and the Southern Prairie Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“I want to thank everyone who responded and the citizens who offered their help,” said Cooksey. He added that because the police department doesn’t’ have its own boats, several were loaned to the recovery effort by citizens and police department personnel.
-----
Printed with permission of the Fairfield Ledger.
This data transcribed for genealogical purposes; I am not related to the subject.