Multiple agencies conduct search and rescue operations on Whitewater River in Fayette County

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ind. — Fayette County Sheriff’s deputies conducted search and rescue operations on the Whitewater River on Sunday.

According to a press release, FCSO deputies and officers with the Connersville Police Department responded to a possible drowning on the Whitewater River behind Smalley’s Lake around 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Two subjects who were out fishing told police they saw a pair boots and a black lab floating in the river.

Police did not locate the black lab or the boots upon their arrival at the scene. Numerous local fire departments and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources were subsequently called to the area to assist police with their search.

FCSO indicated drones and water rescue boats were used during the search of the river. Law enforcement confirmed that first responders have not yet located the black lab or any drowned individuals in the river.

According to a Facebook post published at 3:28 p.m., FCSO and the DNR have called off their search of the Whitewater River because of inclement weather. The sheriff’s office did not specify whether or not the search will resume when the weather passes.

Though his agency’s search has stopped, Fayette County Sheriff Zac Jones is still encouraging individuals with any information pertaining to a drowning in the Whitewater River to contact his office at (765) 825-1110.

As of this article’s publication, no additional information on the FCSO’s investigation had been made available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.