Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Reports Drowning At Elk City Lake State Park

One man is dead after first responders recovered his body from the water at Elk City Lake State Park near Independence, Kansas.

Area emergency crews searched the area for nearly 24 hours before recovering the body of Thomas Crittenden, of Independence around 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says they received a call Friday night shortly before 7 about a man who jumped off a boat, then went under the water and never resurfaced.

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Game Warden Division, Independence Fire and Independence EMS were contacted and responded to the scene to assist in the search that went into the late hours of the night.

More resources were called in to assist Saturday. A large party consisting of neighboring police, fire and emergency departments assisted in the search, along with volunteer citizens with boats.

“This is a very tragic incident,” Montgomery County Sheriff Ron Wade said. “On behalf of everyone here at the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, we extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Crittenden. I am very grateful for all the first responders and citizens who responded to assist in locating Mr. Crittenden and bringing closure to the family.”