Identity released of body found in the Wabash River

SOUTHERN VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Vigo County Sheriff  Greg Ewing told News 10, around two A.M. Monday morning, the body of 46-year old John Kemper Junior of Marshall, Illinois was found in the Wabash River in southern Vigo County.

The Vigo Co. Sheriff’s Dept was contacted at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday Morning by the Clark Co. IL Sheriff’s Dept. concerning a possible drowning near an area known as “Bullskin” Illinois.  The Clark Co. Sheriff’s Dept. received the initial call about a possible drowning.

An investigation revealed that four friends had been working throughout the day, Sunday, on a river cabin near the state-line.  Around 9 p.m. (IN time) they decided to go to the Wabash River bank to relax and swim.

John Kemper Jr., 46, dove from the riverbank into the river, at an area of water only waist deep.  Kemper didn’t resurface, and was found just south of his point of entry.

Vigo Co. Deputy Coroner Valeria Jones pronounced Kemper dead at the scene.  Kemper resided in rural Marshall, IL.

According to the autopsy performed Monday afternoon, Kemper suffered from a broken neck, which led to the drowning.