Cody Thomas
SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 (NORTH PLATTE, NEB.) — The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) is investigating a death that occurred Friday at Swanson Reservoir State Rec Area in Hitchcock County.
Friday morning at approximately 9:30, Nebraska Game and Parks requested assistance from NSP at the scene of a missing person and boat. A Ford F-150 pickup and empty boat trailer had been located unoccupied at a boat ramp. Game and Parks officers were able to locate the boat, which was also unoccupied, out on the lake. Officers then used sonar equipment and identified what was suspected to be a body underwater near the boat ramp.
The Imperial Search and Rescue dive team was called in and recovered the body of the boat’s owner. The deceased has been identified as Michael Harrison, 68, of Goodland, Kansas.
Hitchcock County has requested that the Nebraska State Patrol investigate the death. Pending a scheduled autopsy, foul play in not suspected at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
The Hitchcock County Sheriff’s Office and Trenton Fire Department also assisted on the scene.