Valparaiso man drowns at Long Lake on Labor Day

A 42-year-old Valparaiso man died as a result of an apparent drowning at Long Lake in Liberty Township on Labor Day evening, officials said.

Sean Ryan, 42, was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officers initially responded at 6:17 p.m. Monday to the area in the 600 block of West Long Lake Road for a report of a man going into the water but not resurfacing.

Ryan was last reported seen about 100 feet off the west shore, just out from the lily pads that hugged the shore, according to a Liberty Township Fire release.

First responders from multiple agencies arrived on the scene and initiated search operations.

Porter County Dive Team members deployed a boat into the water. One of the dive team members spotted a “bright blue material submerged in the water” about 100 feet off the west shore, according to Liberty Township.

Ryan, who was not wearing a life jacket, was recovered at 7:02 p.m. and CPR efforts commenced immediately on the boat. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

During the rescue operation, a number of bystanders arrived at the scene and there were live updates posted on the radio, according to Liberty Township fire officials.

Liberty Township Fire Chief Brian Duncan said in a social media post that this created distractions, congested access areas and delayed critical efforts when the information provided has to be verified for accuracy.

“While we understand the concern and interest from the community, emergency responses are not the time to post live updates always,”  Duncan said. “Our crews need clear access and focused coordination.

Other agencies that responded included the Portage Fire Department, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Chesterton Fire Department, Porter Fire Department, Burns Harbor Fire Department, Northwest Emergency Medical Services and the Porter County Coroner’s office.

The incident is still under investigation.

Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.