According to a press release on the sheriff’s office official social media page, investigators reported receiving a call from a family boating near the end of Watson Road by German Church Road in Deerfield Township.

Deputies responded to the scene, where an unidentified object floating in the water had been discovered. Members of the Deerfield Township Fire Department, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Portage County Water Rescue assisted in the recovery.

Investigators believe the body is that of a Stark County man who was reported missing on Jan. 12. He had last been seen Jan. 5 after a vehicle crash, according to a sheriff’s office spokeswoman.

The body believed to be Jacob R. Hemlick, of Lexington Township near Alliance, was transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

Jacob R. Hemlick

Sheriff Bruce D. Zuchowski stated in the press release, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time. I want to thank the Deerfield Township Fire Department, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and the Portage County Water Rescue Team for their assistance and professionalism during this recovery operation.”

Additional calls seeking information were not returned as of Wednesday afternoon.

The investigation remains ongoing.