A Columbus man whose body was pulled from the Hoover Reservoir in Westerville was the head custodian at a Columbus elementary school, according to Columbus City Schools.
Michael Burden, 55, who has a New Albany mailing address but the residence is located in Columbus, was pronounced dead at about 10:30 a.m. Sept. 3 after being pulled from the reservoir near the Smothers Road bridge in Westerville, the coroner’s office said Sept. 4.
Columbus City Schools said that Burden was the head custodian at Colerain Elementary School. He had worked there since 2016, the district said.
“As the Head Custodian, he took pride in keeping Colerain safe and clean for students and staff, ensuring our building was a welcoming place for learning. Mr. Burden loved being around the students,” Colerain Elementary School principal Candance Nespeca said in a letter to students and faculty.
“Every day, you could find him sharing smiles with students in the lunchroom, giving high fives in the hallways, and always greeting everyone with optimism. His presence made Colerain feel like a family.”
Nespeca said that the District CARE Team will be at Colerain Elementary School to “provide a listening ear for students and staff who need someone to talk to during this challenging time.”
Neither Columbus police nor the coroner’s office have said how Burden’s body ended up in the water. Westerville city spokesperson Mariah Beidleman said that a passing motorist reported seeing Burden’s body in the water.
The coroner’s office did not say whether foul play is suspected in connection with Burden’s death.
This story has been updated to correct information provided to The Dispatch.
Public Safety and Breaking News Reporter Bailey Gallion can be reached at bagallion@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus man whose body was pulled from Hoover Reservoir was a CCS custodian, district says
Reporting by Bailey Gallion and Shahid Meighan, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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