Man whose body was recovered at Lake Patoka identified

PATOKA LAKE – The body of the swimmer recovered Sunday from Patoka Lake has been identified as Axel Xavier Richardson, 24, of Indianapolis.

A cause of death is pending autopsy results.

Indiana Conservation Officers recovered Richardson’s body from Patoka Lake Sunday evening.    

At approximately 6 p.m., Orange County Dispatch was notified that Richardson had disappeared under the water’s surface near the Painter Creek boat ramp.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Law Enforcement divers recovered the body at 8:13 p.m. using sonar.

Indiana Conservation Officers remind the public always to wear their life jacket when on or around the water.

Other assisting agencies included the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Rural Fire District 1, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, IU Health Paoli, and Indiana State Police.