Initial autopsy findings were consistent with drowning, and authorities said they had found no evidence of foul play.
TOLEDO, Ohio — An 18-year-old student was found dead in a Toledo pond after his mother reported that he had not returned from a fishing trip, according to police, the county coroner and local news reports.
Anson Crandall’s body was recovered July 11 from a pond at 804 Cleveland St., the Lucas County Coroner’s Office said. An autopsy performed July 13 found evidence consistent with drowning. Deputy Coroner Dwayne Wolf said there was no evidence at that time to indicate foul play, though additional testing and the investigation remained underway.
Toledo police officers were called to the pond at about 9:15 p.m. July 11 for a missing-person report, according to WTVG. Crandall’s mother met emergency crews at the scene and said she could not locate her son after he had gone fishing at the pond earlier in the day. Toledo Fire and Rescue crews searched the water and recovered his submerged body.
Authorities have not publicly explained how Crandall entered the water or how long he had been submerged before rescuers found him. Officials also have not released details about whether anyone else was at the pond during the fishing trip or when Crandall was last seen before the search began.
The coroner’s preliminary findings did not indicate that another person caused Crandall’s death. However, the office said additional testing was being conducted. A final determination may depend on those results and information gathered during the continuing investigation.
Crandall attended St. Francis de Sales School in Toledo and was preparing to begin his senior year in the fall. School officials described him as a talented visual artist and a beloved member of the school community.
The school held a prayer service July 13 at Gesu Church to remember Crandall and support his family, classmates and teachers. Administrators also arranged counseling services for students and others affected by his death.
In a statement shared by the school, officials asked members of the St. Francis community to support one another during the period of mourning. The school encouraged continued prayers for Crandall’s family and the wider community as students and staff dealt with the loss.
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office said the investigation remained open while officials awaited additional test results. Authorities had announced no evidence of foul play or further findings as of the latest public update.
Author note: Last updated July 18, 2026.