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.