Searchers find 2nd boater’s body in Lake Michigan

Golden Township — Authorities say searchers have found the body of a second boater who died after he and another man apparently jumped into Lake Michigan from a boat to retrieve a fishing net.

The Oceana County sheriff’s office says 62-year-old Steve Bruce of Hart jumped into the water Sunday night near Little Sable Point in western Michigan and was followed by 53-year-old Brian Waslusky.

Waslusky was pronounced dead after being pulled from the lake. Crews searched for Bruce this week and WOOD-TV reports his body was found Wednesday. The Ludington Daily News says an autopsy is planned.

In a statement to WZZM-TV, Susie Gordon says her brother “was the rock of our family, a devoted friend and a committed member of his community.”

A third angler, Russell Pierce, remained on the boat.