The Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death of a 16-year-old male following an incident that occurred on a private pond located on family property near 300 S. & 500 W., Russiaville, IN.

At approximately 9:34 a.m. on January 26, 2025, a 911 call was received from the teen’s mother who reported finding her child unconscious and unresponsive. First responders from the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Russiaville Police Department, Russiaville Fire Department, and Community Howard Regional Health were immediately dispatched.

The first unit arrived within four minutes and located the teen, who was later identified as Joseph E. Ford, age 16, of Russiaville, IN, inside an ice fishing shanty. First responders assisted the family members in providing life-saving measures until medics could arrive. Despite the life-saving efforts of family and emergency personnel, Joseph Ford was pronounced deceased at Community Howard Regional Hospital Emergency Department at 10:42 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Howard County Coroner’s Office under the direction of Coroner David E. Granger. This case remains under investigation by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Ernie Shirey at 765-614-3449 or by submitting a tip using our app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

In addition to the aforementioned agencies, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Howard County Emergency Management Agency and Harrison Township Fire Department.

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Ford family and all those affected by this tragic loss. We ask the community to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time and to approach this situation with compassion and understanding.