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Man dies after canoe capsized, multiple children rescued


A 42-year-old male was recovered after a two hour search in Ionia County after a canoe reportedly capsized in a pond off North Stage Road in Ionia County Saturday, police said in a press release. (WWMT/FILE)
A 42-year-old male was recovered after a two hour search in Ionia County after a canoe reportedly capsized in a pond off North Stage Road in Ionia County Saturday, police said in a press release. (WWMT/FILE)
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A 42-year-old male was recovered after a two hour search in Ionia County after a canoe reportedly capsized in a pond off North Stage Road in Ionia County Saturday, police said in a press release.

Michigan State Police troopers responded to the capsized canoe and were able to rescue multiple children who were in the water wearing life jackets. Police said that when the canoe overturned, the occupants were dumped in the water. The children were able to stay afloat, although 42-year-old Earl Philip Sensenig slipped underwater and was not able to return to the surface.

After a two hour search that was postponed due to low visibility and muddy/swampy water, Sensenig was recovered and transported to Sparrow Hospital in Ionia by Life EMS. He did not survive.

Police said Sensenig was wearing work clothes and heavy boots at the time the canoe capsized.

Assisting on the scene was Ionia County Sheriff's Department and their dive team, Ronald Township Fire Department, Ionia Department of Public Safety and their dive team, Belding Fire Department, Lyons/Mir Fire Department, Life EMS and Ionia County Victims' Advocates.

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