Thursday, August 14th, 2008
Father dies in backyard pond
By Shelley Grieshop
A 44-year-old Cridersville man died Tuesday evening and his 3-year-old son was injured after the canoe they and another child were riding in tipped over in a pond at the family's home.
Christopher S. Spicer, 44, of Wapak-Cridersville Road, and the 3-year-old were dragged from the water by the man's wife who called 911 at 6:43 p.m. She reportedly was summoned to the pond by the couple's 6-year-old son who managed to swim to shore, according to the Auglaize County Sheriff's Office.
Christopher Spicer was unconscious when rescuers arrived and died a short time later at a Lima-area hospital. No condition was available for the 3-year-old, however, officials say he is recovering.
Authorities believe the father may have drowned but are looking into possible medical reasons. An autopsy was ordered. The sheriff's office does not suspect drugs, alcohol or foul play.
The family's pond is estimated to be 15 feet deep.
