Wind Lake drowning is a mystery

By Patricia Bogumil

Editor

David R. Gross, 34, Waterford, apparently drove his car to the Wind Lake boat launch last month, locked it up with his personal effects inside, walked over to the shoreline, removed his shoes and then walked into Wind Lake, where he drowned.

Gross’s body was recovered from the lake June 23, after it was seen floating near the boat launch. Officials estimate the body had been in the lake for three days.

An autopsy determined Gross died from drowning, said Michael Payne, medical examiner for the County of Racine. “We don’t suspect foul play,” he added.

But why Gross went into the lake remains a mystery.

“This was not a boating accident. I don’t know what to call it at this point,” Payne said.

Toxicology testing has been ordered, he said, but results will probably not be known for about 10 weeks.

“We can’t say that it’s an accident. We can’t say that it’s a suicide. We may have to go with ‘undetermined’ at this point,” Payne said.

The area by the boat launch is not suited for swimming, Payne said, and Gross entered the lake wearing athletic shorts rather than swim trunks.

Also, at the time of Gross’s death, the water in Wind Lake was cold enough to cause hypothermia, Payne said.

No boat or fishing equipment was found, Payne added. “There’s nothing to indicate any kind of recreational use” of the lake, Payne added.

Payne said he understands Gross was living in an apartment in the Village of Waterford at the time of his death. His last known place of employment is Nestlé in Burlington a few years back.

Nestlé’s human resources manager did not respond to a request for information about Gross’s time of employment and work there.

Funeral services for Gross were held June 28 in Countryside, Ill., followed by private interment.

According to his Facebook page, which was still active this week, Gross was a graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Ill., in 1998.