Wapakoneta Man Dies in Accidental Drowning Near Middle Point

MIDDLE POINT — A Wapakoneta man died following an accidental drowning in a pond near Middle Point on Sunday.

Van Wert County sheriff’s deputies and members of Middle Point Fire and EMS were dispatched to the 19000 block of Bellis Road at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Authorities initially received information that an intoxicated driver had driven a vehicle into the pond. Investigators later determined that report was inaccurate and no vehicle was involved.

Witnesses pulled 70-year-old Robert Hunsicker from the water. A person with medical training began lifesaving measures before first responders continued providing aid.

Hunsicker was transported to OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Office report, Hunsicker had been attending a nearby cookout and told others he wanted to go swimming. The report stated that Hunsicker was intoxicated at the time.

After Hunsicker had been gone for approximately 15 minutes, someone went to check on him and found him unresponsive in the pond.

Deputies obtained statements from multiple witnesses at the scene. The sheriff’s office classified the death as an accidental drowning and has closed the case.