An investigation is ongoing for a drowning victim at Diamond Head Lake Saturday evening.

According to the Stuart Fire Department, the Stuart Fire and Rescue Unit responded to an emergency call for a possible drowning at 4:40pm. Fire Chief Stephen Martinson says witnesses saw a male swim past the roped off area and appeared to be struggling. Martinson notes that witnesses said the male then went underwater and didn’t resurface, which is when 911 was called.

According to Martinson, the fire department secured the scene; they were assisted by local boat owners who were using Underwater Sonar until the Midwest Regional Dive Team arrived at 6:25pm. After a search was organized, crews began looking for the victim’s body, which was recovered at 8:09pm and transferred to Stuart Rescue’s care. Martinson notes that the body was then taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny by the Johnson Family Funeral Homes for autopsy, The investigation is ongoing at this time. Adair and Guthrie County Emergency Management, Stuart Police Department, the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office, Audubon County Emergency Management, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources assisted at the scene. 

Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.