Sugarcreek Twp. police identify man found in pond

UPDATE @ 10:34 p.m.:

The man found dead in a Sugarcreek Twp. pond Saturday afternoon has been identified as Roy Cotterman, 77, of Sugarcreek Twp., police said Saturday night.

UPDATE @ 7:34 p.m.:

Police are working to learn the identity of a man found deceased in a pond behind a residence in Sugarcreek Twp.

“We do believe the person lives in the area. We have a good suspicion of who he is and where he might live,” said Sgt. Mark White of the Sugarcreek Twp. Police Department.

A homeowner reported finding the body in the pond behind her house to police Saturday.

The man was found unclothed and had no identification on him, said White.

His body had been there for several days.

The man’s body was taken to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

White said police do not know what caused this accident but said this kind of thing is not uncommon.

“People who are elderly with dementia and Alzheimer's walk or drive away. This case, what makes it unique, is it very well could be a nearby resident who simply walked away and didn’t know where he was and wasn’t aware of his surroundings. He unfortunately fell to his death,” White said.

White said the pond is not very large.

“Our police department is very aware and familiar with our residence. We know who lives in the area, and we know who is elderly and lives by themselves. Just by knowing our people, we have a good idea of who we think it might be,” said White.

FIRST REPORT:

Emergency crews have responded to the scene of a report of a body found in a pond in Sugarcreek Twp.

Initial reports indicate a witness saw a body in a pond near the 2200 block of Upper Bellbrook Road Saturday around 5 p.m.

A coroner was called to the scene, according to Greene County dispatchers.

We are working to learn more and will update this page as information becomes available.

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