Reference: Missing Person-Drowning UPDATE: The victim is identified as 61 year old Thomas John Bultema of Norton Shores.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 3, 2016
Reference: Missing Person-Drowning
UPDATE: The victim is identified as 61 year old Thomas John Bultema of Norton Shores. A leaf blower was also located in the pond and it is believed that sometime between 1530 hours and 1700 hours on 11/1/16 he was home alone blowing leaves near the pond and accidentally fell into the pond unnoticed and drowned.
The Norton Shores Police Department is investigating a drowning in the 5500 Block of Henry St. Officers were called to the area on November 1, 2016 at 1929 hours for a missing person report. Family members reported a 61 year old male missing from a residence in the area. Norton Shores Police and K-9 units from the Michigan State Police searched the area overnight and were unable to locate the subject. The search resumed in the daylight on the ground and in the air with the assistance of the Michigan State Police Helicopter. While searching the property an article of clothing was located floating in the pond behind the victim’s residence.
The Norton Shores Dive Team was called out and the victim was located underwater in the pond. The identity of the victim is not being released until contact has been made with all family members.
Investigators are still interviewing family members and witnesses to determine how the subject may have drowned.
Anyone with information to assist in the investigation is asked to contact Norton Shores Police Department at 231-733-2691 or Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME.
Address/Location
Norton Shores Police Department
4814 Henry St
Norton Shores, MI 49441
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 231-733-2691