TOLEDO, Ohio — What began as a campaign video shoot took an unexpected turn Thursday, October 8, when two Libertarian candidates running for statewide office discovered a body floating in the Maumee River near downtown Toledo.
Ohio Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Don Kissick and secretary of state candidate Tom Pruss were filming campaign footage along the riverbank across from downtown when a teenager approached them about something suspicious in the water.
The candidates followed the teenager toward the river, where they discovered a person floating face-down near a pile of rocks.
According to published reports, the deceased appeared to be a man in his late 20s or early 30s with dark hair, wearing a black jacket and sneakers. Authorities have not officially confirmed the individual’s identity.
Pruss called 911 to report the discovery, prompting a response from Toledo Fire and Rescue crews and local law enforcement.
Both candidates remained at the scene and provided witness statements to investigators before leaving.
Emergency crews recovered the body from the river. Authorities have not released the person’s name or determined the cause of death.
The case remains under investigation, with an autopsy and additional findings from the local coroner’s office expected to provide more information about the individual’s identity and circumstances surrounding the death.
Officials have not announced whether foul play is suspected.
