On Friday night, an 84-year-old man became the 11th person suspected of drowning in an Oakland lake this year, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Louis William Petro of Sylvan Lake was found in Sylvan Lake around 10 p.m. Authorities confirmed he drowned, but the investigation is still ongoing.
Divers from the sheriff’s office and the Southeast Michigan Dive Group located his body in five feet of water, about 200 feet from the shore. He was not wearing a life jacket.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard expressed sadness over the incident, urging people who are not strong swimmers or are alone in the water to use flotation devices.
Petro was last seen taking his 18-foot Glastron boat into the lake at around 2:30 p.m. Friday. By 5:15 p.m., his empty boat was drifting in the water, and his wallet, cell phone, and car key were found on board.
Investigators found no signs of struggle, foul play, or evidence of alcohol or drugs.