CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio – Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey reported today, April 19, 2024, at 3:18 P.M., that the Pickaway County Communications Center received a distressing 911 call from an Amazon driver. The driver reported discovering a human body floating in a pond at 23561 Smith-Hulse Road, Circleville, Ohio.
In response, deputies, detectives, and medics swiftly descended upon the scene. There, they located the body of 73-year-old Louis M. Menduni Jr. in the pond. Despite efforts to revive him, Menduni was pronounced dead at the scene by Williamsport EMS.
Initial investigations at the scene indicated that Menduni had been mowing grass around the pond when he tragically slid backward into the water. The mower, recovered from the pond by Scioto Valley Wrecker Service, was found nearby.
Dr. John Ellis, Pickaway County Coroner, promptly responded to the scene. Menduni’s body was subsequently transferred to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Sheriff Hafey expressed gratitude to Williamsport EMS, WADES Fire Department, Southwest Pickaway Fire Department, and Scioto Valley Wrecker Service for their swift response and assistance.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing under the jurisdiction of the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office.
