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N. Indiana Man Dies After Being Swept Off Pier By Wave

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (AP) - A northern Indiana man died after being swept off a pier into Lake Michigan by a large wave.

Indiana conservation officers say the body of 24-year-old Earl Helmuth of Shipshewana was recovered about 8 a.m. Sunday in 12 feet of water.

Sgt. Shawn Brown says Helmuth was with five friends in Michigan City taking photos from Washington Park's Lighthouse Pier about 6:30 p.m. Saturday when a wave "swept them all into the water."

Brown says three were able to get out of the lake on their own. He says two others were rescued by a U.S. Coast Guard boat that responded to the scene.

The Coast Guard and conservation officers search for Helmuth until 10-foot waves and treacherous conditions forced them to suspend the search until Sunday.

 

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