Jeremiah Porchia dies in fatal Toledo river drowning

Jeremiah Porchia dies in fatal Toledo river drowning

Fatal Toledo river drowning death of Jeremiah Porchia – Obituary

Jeremiah Porchia, 19, was found dead in the Maumee River in downtown Toledo more than a month after he was reported missing, authorities confirmed. The Lucas County Coroner’s Office identified Porchia and determined his cause of death to be drowning.

Coroner Tom Blomquist said Porchia’s body had been submerged for an extended period before it was discovered on Monday, Dec. 29. While an exact date of death could not be determined, officials believe it most likely occurred close to Nov. 24, the day Porchia was last known to be alive and officially reported missing. A manner of death was not released.

After Porchia was reported missing, crews searched the downtown riverfront but were initially unable to locate him. Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said unusually low water levels in the Maumee River are believed to have played a role in the eventual discovery of his body.

Porchia’s mother, Danetta Walker, previously shared that her son had been struggling with mental health challenges, including a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia, prior to his disappearance. She said her last communication with him came on Nov. 24, when he sent a text message indicating his car was downtown near the water.