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Ohio teen, DNR officer dead after drowning incident at state park

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

HILLSBORO, Ohio — A 16-year-old girl and an Ohio Department of Natural Resources officer died Tuesday night after a drowning incident at a state park, authorities said.

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The girl died after being trapped under ice at a lake at Rocky Fork State Park, located east of Cincinnati, WHIO-TV reported. The DNR officer, identified as 38-year-old Jason Lagore, died of a medical emergency en route to the state park, WLWT reported.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, two people fell through the ice at the park shortly before 6:30 p.m., the television station reported. The girl died while a 13-year-old boy was able to swim to shore. He was being treated for hypothermia, Paint Creek Joint EMS & Fire District Public Information Officer Branden Jackman, told WCPO.

The body of the teen girl, whose name has not been released, was recovered by divers hours after she fell through the ice, WHIO reported.

First responders transported Lagore to Highland District Hospital, where he died, ODNR spokesperson Stephanie O’Grady told WCPO. Lagopre had worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for 15 years.

Members of the Loveland Symmes Fire Department identified Lagore as the officer who died, WKYC reported. Investigators have not said what kind of medical emergency Lagore may have suffered, saying only that he fell from the dock into the lake after the emergency happened.

Our Dive and Sonar team responded last evening to the tragic event where Officer Lagore died from a medical emergency....

Posted by Loveland Symmes Fire Department on Wednesday, February 24, 2021

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones of Officer Jason Lagore, who died in the line of duty last night,” Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz said in a statement. “Our law enforcement officers and their families carry a unique and challenging burden of responsibilities, and we are deeply grateful for their service.”

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at public buildings in Highland County and others in Columbus in honor of Lagore’s service, WHIO reported.

Lagore is survived by his wife, Michelle, two sons and his K-9 partner, Sarge, WLWT reported.

Cox Media Group

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