On Monday, Oct. 19, the Maries County Sheriff’s Office reported the death of Kenneth “Don” Wyman of Maries County, had been found dead in a private pond on Saturday, Oct. 18 and the death has been ruled accidental. A blood toxicology report is pending. An autopsy has not been ordered by the coroner’s office as evidence of foul play was not present.

Sheriff Chris Heitman extended his sympathy and condolences to the family.

The sheriff’s office was contacted on Friday afternoon, Oct. 16 about Wyman being missing. Lt. Scott John went to the residence and spoke with Janet Flanigan, Wyman’s girlfriend, who reported a dispute between them on Oct. 13. She also said his behavior was erratic and that he would routinely walk away and come back after a period of time.

Sheriff Heitman reported Flanigan told Lt. John family members were coming to her place to search the woods. Lt. John asked her to contact the sheriff’s office if they needed help. Sheriff Heitman said deputies continued to canvas the area as much as time allowed and that Wyman’s information was entered into the statewide database, MULES, as a missing person.

On Sunday morning a family member sent Lt. John phone message about trying to put together a search party. Lt. John left a voice message with the family at about noon on Sunday and not long after that Maries County Communications was contacted and told the search party had located Wyman in the pond.

The sheriff said there are additional details in the case that can’t be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.