Harrison Man Found Dead In Metamora Wastewater Treatment Tank

The drowning death was likely an accident, the sheriff's department says.

(Metamora, Ind.) – A man’s accidental death at a wastewater treatment plant in Franklin County is under investigation.

The victim is identified as Mickey A. Lounsbury, 63, of Harrison. He worked as a private contractor for testing and maintenance at several wastewater treatment facilities.

Lounsbury’s family was worried and went looking when he didn’t return from work on Wednesday, January 9. His vehicle was located at the Metamora Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department was contacted to help investigate the missing person.

“With the assistance of Lounsbury’s family, who were familiar with the plant’s operations, his body was located inside a holding tank,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

Lounsbury was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner. A preliminary autopsy report by the Hamilton County, Ohio coroner indicates he drowned.

“This is a tragic loss and our thoughts and condolences go out to the Lounsbury family,” said Franklin County Sheriff Peter Cates.

Sheriff’s investigators believe the death was an accident. Lounsbury often worked alone, the department said.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also opened an investigation into the workplace death.

More from Local News


Events

USDA Designates Local Indiana Counties as Natural Disaster Areas

The designations are due to excessive rain from April to December 2025.

Indiana Achieves Statewide Access to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

The program offers a free book each month to children under the age of five.

Gov. Mike Braun Takes Action to Protect Hoosier Kids Online

The governor ceremonially signed two bills into law on Wednesday.

Local Sports Report - April 1, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Sectional Assignments Approved by IHSAA Executive Committee

The sectional assignments are for the next two school years.

Local Sports Report - March 31, 2026

Report stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Alan Jackson - Alan Jackson - Its 5 oclock Somewhere

Gary Allan Every Storn Runs Out of Rain 10:39
Montgomery Gentry Hillbilly Shoes 10:35
Gabby Barrett Glory Days 10:29
Jerrod Niemann Drink To That All Night 10:26