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Man in kayak nearly drowns in Stone Lake

Stan Maddux Times Correspondent


LAPORTE — A Michigan City man was in critical condition after nearly drowning when the kayak he was paddling overturned.

Terry Harrell, 26, was not breathing when pulled from about 7 feet of water on Stone Lake in LaPorte.

LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said he regained a pulse but didn't know his present condition or prognosis.

Harrell was located about 15 minutes after a 911 call was made.

Harrell was fishing late Sunday afternoon with a friend in another kayak when somehow his 10-foot watercraft overturned, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Harrell, who did not have a life jacket on, held on to the kayak for a short time before disappearing, said DNR officials.

Investigators were also told he did not know how to swim, Snyder said.