DAVID L., COTTRILL - Meigs County, Ohio | COTTRILL DAVID L. - Ohio Gravestone Photos

Cottrill DAVID L.

Salem Center - Salem Twp. Cemetery
Meigs County,
Ohio

David L. Cottrill
Apr 15, 1954 - Mar 20, 2008

Gallipolis Daily Tribune (OH) - March 21, 2008

A Vinton man drowns in rising waters
VINTON - A Vinton man drowned early Thursday when he exited the pickup truck he drove in high water but was unable to swim to safety.

David L. Cottrill, 53, was recovered by emergency personnel two hours later, the Gallia-Meigs Post of the State Highway Patrol reported.

The incident occurred on Ohio 325 North within the Vinton village limits, said the patrol, which was notified of the incident at 11:57 p.m. Wednesday when a caller informed troopers a pickup truck was stranded in high water.

Further investigation revealed that Cottrill had been traveling on 325 when he encountered high water. His vehicle went partially in the water, and then he backed the pickup away. Cottrill then stopped at a nearby residence and asked the property owner if he believed the high water was passable.

The property owner reportedly told Cottrill that if he could see the edge lines of the road, he could possibly drive through the water to drier pavement.

Cottrill then drove into the water and after a short distance, the pickup was caught by the current and swept downstream. Cottrill was able to extricare himself from the vehicle, troopers said. The property owner saw what had happened, obtained a long stick and went to the scene, urging Cottrill to swim toward the stick.

Unable to do so, Cottrill was caught up in the under-current and drowned, troopers said.

Local fire departments and the Gallia County Sheriff's Department responded to conduct search and rescue efforts. The victim was located around 2:10 a.m. and Dr. Daniel H. Whiteley, Gallia County's coroner, was notified.

The victim was released to McCoy-Moore Funeral Home in Vinton for arrangements, which will be announced.

As of Thursday afternoon, the patrol was seeking family to notify, a process complicated because troopers were "unable to find any identification on Mr. Cottrill and he lived alone," said Lt. Richard E. Grau, commander of the patrol's Gallia-Meigs Post.

Grau said as of Thursday afternoon, troopers had located what they believe is the victim's former spouse in Lancaster, and troopers there were attempting to make contact.

Contributed on 2/17/10 by Schumaker4
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Record #: 119303

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Submitted: 2/17/10 • Approved: 3/31/10 • Last Updated: 8/13/15 • R119303-G0-S3

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