Foul play is not suspected after an Akron man died when he reportedly jumped into the water at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park over Labor Day weekend.
The incident in which Skyler Edward Correll, 32, died remains under investigation by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.
Wayne Enders, administrator for the Portage County Coroner’s Office, said Sept. 5 that the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has not reported its findings after an autopsy and toxicology analysis.
Deputies and Community EMS responded about 4:15 p.m. Aug. 30 to a reported drowning at the park, 12001 Nelson Ledge Road (State Route 282) in Nelson Township.
A woman who identified herself as Correll’s girlfriend of six years reported he somersaulted from a ledge about 20 feet above the water. A nearby lifeguard saw Correll hit the water face and chest first. When he came to the surface, his nose was bloody and he appeared dazed before he went back under the water.
Two lifeguards brought Correll to the surface and began CPR when they reached the shore. It was estimated Correll had been under the water for two or three minutes before the lifeguards could get him to the surface.
“I saw Skyler front flip off the cliff,” said a male witness. “He landed in a belly flop and sunk briefly. He re-emerged unconscious with blood around his mouth.”
Community EMS took Correll to University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead about 5:30 p.m.
Witnesses said Correll jumped on his own, and no one pushed or shoved him into the water, according to the report. His girlfriend said Correll had a few drinks before jumping, but no known medical issues or drug use.
Nelson Ledges Quarry Park did not immediately respond to a phone message seeking comment.
According to an obituary posted by Paquelet and Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Homes in Massillon, Correll was born in Pheonix, Arizona, and worked for Built Forever Construction.
“He enjoyed working with his hands, hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors,” says the obituary. “As a member of The GDF, he loved live music and being surrounded by the people whom he loved. Skyler could be described as light and love. He would do anything for his family and friends. He wanted everyone to be the best version of themselves, always challenging them to do better but accepting them for who they are. Truly an incarnation of unconditional love.”
Reporter Jeff Saunders can be reached at jsaunders@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Portage sheriff’s sees no foul play in Akron man’s death at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park
Reporting by Jeff Saunders, Ravenna Record-Courier / Record-Courier
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
