Officer was dispatched to boating accident/drowning at the dam. Call was that a male had been fishing from a jon boat near the flood gates on the tailwater side of the dame and got too close to the gates. Victim was recovered before any le personel could get on the scene and body was taken to coroners office where the coroner identified the body.  Coroner also took statements from three witnesses at the scene who wtinessed the accident. Coroner told officer that victim was using a trolling motor near the base of the dam when witnesses stated he got too close to the water coming through the flood gates. According to the coroner, witnesses stated victims vessel got pulled closer to the spill water and victim tried to move the console to start the outboard but was unable to before water filled vessel full and caused vessel and victim to go under. The vessel never resurfaced and the victim finally floated out of turbulant water where bystanders recovered him. Victim was stripped of all his clothes but his pfd that he was wearing remained on and allowed him to float through the turnulant water that overcame him. At this time the coroner has all the witness statements and copies will be included at a later date after the coroner returns. Posted at the boat launch area below the dam there states a sign that states, no operation of vessel wtihin 500' of dam when flood gates are open. Unknown vessel inpetions and unknown operator education and experience level. Alcohol was not a contributing factor in this accident and a pfd was being worn and uses.
KUTTAWA                       