Update: 06/30/2012
The body of 19 year old Richard Tucker of Columbus NE was recovered from the waters of the Calamus reservoir by members of the Burwell Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team shortly after 3:00pm on Friday afternoon, June 29, 2012. After an extended, multi-agency search lasting more than 24 hours. Mr. Tucker was pronounced dead at the recovery scene. An autopsy was ordered to determine the cause of death. Funeral arrangements will be made through McKown Funeral Home in Columbus. Nor further information is available at this time.
Law enforcement and public safety officials are continuing their attempt to locate a 19 year-old Columbus man who was reported missing Thursday afternoon at the Calamus reservoir near Burwell.
Richard Paul Tucker, son of Tim Tucker of Columbus NE was vacationing with family and friends at Calamus State Recreation Area, located approximately seven miles northwest of Burwell. Shortly after noon Thursday, the missing teen was last seen swimming toward shore a few hundred yards southeast of the Homestead Knolls boat ramp. Family members reported that Tucker was a strong swimmer with no known physical problems, and did not appear to be in any distress when last observed approximately fifty yards offshore.
So far, efforts to locate a body or otherwise explain the young man’s disappearance have been unsuccessful.
Area agencies assisting in the investigation and search include the Garfield County sheriff’s office and Burwell Police Department, Burwell Volunteer Fire Department, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and the Nebraska State Patrol. Divers from the Kearney Fire Department Dive Team joined those from Burwell VFD Dive Team in the search for the missing man. The Nebraska State Patrol provided a helicopter equipped with a thermal imaging device. Valley county Ambulance furnished a backup emergency unit. Region 26 Emergency Management is providing communications and logistical support.
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