September 11 – The Clermont Police Department is investigating what appears to be the drowning death of an adult male. Preliminary investigation has revealed this incident to be an apparent suicide, however; Clermont Police Detectives continue to investigate this death.
At approximately 7:39 a.m., Clermont Police Officers along with the Clermont Fire Department were dispatched to Lake Winona, in the area of Lake Avenue and Seminole Street, in the City of Clermont, to investigate a suspected drowning. Witnesses reported seeing one adult male alone on a small raft in the middle of the lake. The individual did not appear to be in distress however between the hours of approximately 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the individual could no longer be seen on the raft.
Clermont Police Officers quickly responded to the scene and immediately coordinated a joint search and rescue effort along with Clermont Fire and Rescue, Groveland Fire and Rescue, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Through the use of these assisting agency boats, divers, sophisticated equipment and helicopter, the body of an adult male was located underwater near the abandoned raft. The deceased was identified as a 61-year-old Calvin Crawley Jr. of Clermont. Mr. Crawley’s next of kin has been notified and Clermont Police Detectives are working closely with FWC to investigate this death.
It’s always distributing and saddening to hear of the loss of life. If you know the family of Mr. Crawley, now is the time to offer condolences and sympathy.
