UPDATE: Search underway after man goes missing in Lake Michigan (Porter County)

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Law Enforcement

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

402 W. Washington St.

Indianapolis, IN 46204

 

For immediate release: Feb. 23, 2022

 

UPDATE: Search underway after man goes missing in Lake Michigan (Porter County)

The missing person in Lake Michigan has been identified as Bryce Dunfee, 22, of Indianapolis.

Dunfee was last seen wearing a gray shirt with black sleeves, khaki pants, and black shoes.

Family has been notified, and the search is ongoing.

Release as of February 21, 2022, at 9:17 p.m.

A search is underway after a man went missing this afternoon in Lake Michigan. 

At approximately 5:30 p.m. CST, responders were dispatched to West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park reference a person in the water. 

Once on scene, responders learned that five people had entered onto shelf ice along the shoreline when it began to crack.  The group began to retreat to shore when one person fell into the water.

Members of the party attempted to reach their friend, but the large waves and unstable ice hindered their efforts.   

Indiana Conservation Officers along with Portage Fire department, Porter Fire department, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Ogden Dunes Fire department, Indiana Dunes National Park Rangers and United State Coast Guard all responded to the scene and are currently searching.

The identity of the missing person is being withheld pending family notification.

Indiana Conservation Officers urge the public to stay off shelf ice along Lake Michigan as it can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.

 

-30-

 

Media contact: ICO Nicole Baumann, DNR Law Enforcement, 219-741-7000, nbaumann@dnr.IN.gov