Man Drowns in Little Wabash Sunday (ADDL INFO)

A man drowned in the Little Wabash River Sunday afternoon.

Effingham County Coroner Duane Guffey was called at 3:30pm Sunday after a witness saw a man enter the river in an apparent attempt to recover a boat that had come loose from its moorings.  Guffey pronounced the man dead at the scene.  

The victim has been identified as 26-year-old Andrew "Andy" Donsbach of Mason.

The incident occurred about a half-mile south of US Route 45 and County Road 300 North.

The incident is being investigated by the Effingham County Coroner's Office and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.  The Effingham County Dive Rescue Team and the Watson, Shumway and Effingham Fire Departments assisted at the scene.

The Dive Rescue Team was back out on Monday to assist the Coroner's Office with a followup investigation.  The boat in question was recovered, as well as current measurements, distances and other evidentiary items.  

Dive Team Commander Terry Trueblood said it is highly recommended not to enter flood waters or swift water.  Trueblood said even wearing a lifejacket is no guarantee of safety due to many trees, debris and other items located in a river.  He said driving through the water is also not recommended; it only takes 11 inches of water to move a car off a roadway.

Funeral information for Donsbach is located here.