While awaiting a toxicology report, the autopsy Tuesday confirmed Lewis was a drowning victim, according to Doyle Burke, chief investigator for the Warren County Coroner’s Office. There were no other significant injuries, Burke added.
Lewis was reported missing about 2 p.m. Sunday, and her body recovered about 3:50 p.m. Monday, Burke said.
She wasn’t wearing a life jacket when she put in off Chamberlain Road and was discovered the next day in the creek near the 3800 block of Morningstar Road in Franklin Twp., Burke said today.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Franklin Township Fire Department, Joint Emergency Medical Services, and Christian Aid Ministries - Ohio Search and Rescue assisted in the recovery.
ODNR indicated Lewis’ kayak hit a tree and capsized.
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On Tuesday, on the east side of the Miami Valley in Warren County, three boaters were rescued about 4 p.m. from an island in the Little Miami River in Wayne Twp.Their boats still needed to be retrieved, according to emergency reports.
“ODNR reminds watercraft users to operate their equipment responsibly, always wear a life jacket and pay close attention to local conditions and posted advisories” ODNR in the release about Lewis’ drowning. “At this time, the investigation into the accident is ongoing.”
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