Body of missing man discovered

By: 
Monika Spaulding, Digital Editor

The deceased body of a man from Voyles Road who has been missing since Dec. 6 was recovered Wednesday in the area of Winslow Lake. There is no indication of foul play.

Joseph Brown, 88, was located around 1:30 p.m. 

Washington County Sheriff Detective Brent Miller said they had been searching for Brown for four days. He was located approximately a half mile from his vehicle.

Miller said no one is sure of Brown’s connection to Winslow Lake and why he might have been there.

“We told the family there may be questions we can’t answer and may never be able to answer,” he said.

His body was found on a steep hillside in rocky terrain. Miller said his family did not think he would stray far from his vehicle because of his age and the fact that he used a walker.

“He definitely made it further from the vehicle than we ever anticipated,” said Miller, adding that they were mainly looking in the flat areas during their search. “We were shocked to find him where we did.”

The location of the body could not be seen from the top of the hill or from the bottom due to the rocks.

Miller said Indiana State Police officers actually saw the body from across the lake.

“Blueriver Fire Rescue Unit assisted us in the recovery,” said Miller. “It was a steep hillside with a rocky ledge. It was a very risky recovery.”

Recovery efforts included foot, vehicle, boat and air searches. 

“It was a great team effort,” said Miller. “I hate that it took four days.”

He said they received a call at the sheriff’s department from someone who saw the car at Winslow Lake Sunday, which set the search into motion Sunday. 

Miller said they used helicopters with thermal image capabilities from the ISP, DNR put boats in the water with sonar and cadaver dogs were used as well. 

Those who assisted in the search and recovery included Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana Conservation, Indiana State Police, Southern Indiana Search and Rescue, members of all Washington County fire departments, Jeff Craig K9 Search Team, EMA, APS, Washington County Coroner, Arby’s and Main Street Pizza.

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