BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Calhoun County’s dive team used sonar equipment on the Kalamazoo River Monday night, attempting to locate a 19-year-old Olivet man who fell into the river near its convergence with the Battle Creek River. The teen wasn't located as of Monday evening, with the search expected to resume Tuesday morning.
EMS, fire, and police were called to the scene just before 7 p.m. Police said the man and several friends were in the parking lot north of Hamblin Avenue, west of the convergence.
Upon seeing his friend drop her purse, the man fell into the river trying to retrieve it. Police believe he could not swim.
Another friend jumped in after him, but did not reach the man. The friend was able to get out of the river.
The water is about 20 feet deep at the convergence, with a swift current. Due to these factors, along with the hours that have passed, officials believe this is a recovery mission, and no longer a rescue.
The initial Battle Creek Fire and Police search, including BCFD’s Boat 4 and the BCPD drone, did not locate the man.
