BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man drown in a creek on Wednesday in Barton County.
Just after 9:30.am., deputies were dispatched to a location on the Wet Walnut Creek near 387 NW. 40th Road, north and west of Great Bend, according to Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir.
A 911 caller reported an unresponsive individual in the water at that location.
A family member had called to report they had located 20-year-old Manuel Castillo in the creek. The Great Bend Fire Department and EMS services had also arrived at the scene and began resuscitation efforts. Castillo was transported the hospital in Great Bend where he was later pronounced deceased.
A Sheriff’s Office investigation indicates Castillo was walking along the creek bank at which time he evidently fell approximately 40 feet down the embankment. Evidence of the fall was found at the scene, according to Bellendir.
At that particular location, the embankment was covered with rock, metal rods and corrugated steel to prevent erosion. Castillo received numerous abrasions and lacerations during the fall. Further investigation indicates he was incapacitated by the fall and went into about 2 feet of water.
Forensic examination by Dr. Lyle Norhook indicates the cause of death was drowning. Preliminary findings indicate the death was accidental in nature.