drowning

Indiana Man Who Died After Being Swept Off Pier Was Taking Photos With Fiancee

A total of six people were standing on the pier when a large wave swept them into Lake Michigan

Authorities say a northern Indiana man who died after being swept off a pier into Lake Michigan by a large wave was taking photos with his fiancee and two other couples.

Indiana conservation officer Sgt. Shawn Brown says 24-year-old Earl Helmuth of Nappanee and the five others were swept into the lake Saturday in Michigan City.

Helmuth's body was found Sunday morning in 12 feet of water after the search had been suspended due to treacherous conditions. According to Brown, Helmuth could not swim.

At the time of the incident, waves were about 5 to 7 feet high, according to Chief Josh Janney of the Michigan City Coast Guard.

Helmuth's fiancee and two others were able to get back to the pier. Two others, including a pregnant woman, clung to the lighthouse's concrete wall and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Brown says Helmuth and his fiancee planned to marry next month.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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