Shannon Sizemore: Ohio teen's body found in pond after he vanished into woods to escape cops dispersing partygoers

LAWRENCE COUNTY, OHIO: The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office confirmed the discovery of the lifeless body of 18-year-old Shannon 'Chase' Sizemore. The body was found in a pond shortly after he was reported missing for just two days.

The search began when law enforcement received a call around 1 am on Sunday, February 27, reporting a large gathering of teenagers illegally consuming alcohol in the ORV Recreation area off State Route 650, commonly known as the Strip Mine.

Timeline of Shannon 'Chase' Sizemore's disappearance

As cops arrived at the ORV Recreation area, the teens dispersed, with some seeking refuge in a wooded area. However, Shannon was never accounted for, prompting the filing of a missing persons report and an immediate search.

Deputies questioned partygoers about Shannon's whereabouts, receiving conflicting responses. Some suggested they heard water splashing, indicating the teen might have entered the water to evade the police, while others doubted this statement.

A thorough search, including aerial drones, fixed-wing aircraft, K-9 units, boats with sonar, and ATVs, yielded no results on the first day of investigation.

Divers recover fully clothed body of Shannon 'Chase' Sizemore from mud pit

As nightfall descended on the area, the search continued into a second day. Lawrence County police, supported by specialized search parties across the tri-state, intensified their efforts. Divers began exploring two ponds in the immediate area, while drones, K-9 units, and foot crews scoured more distant locations.

Around 11 am, divers from the Cabell County Disaster Response Team radioed Lawrence County authorities with shocking news. They found a fully clothed body, identified as Shannon, lodged in a mud pit at the bottom of the pond closest to the late-night gathering site, the Mirror reports.

Preliminary findings indicate no clear signs of foul play

Shannon was located approximately 11 feet down and 53 feet from the shoreline. The water temperature, a chilling 44 degrees, painted a grim picture of Shannon's last moments. Authorities transported Shannon's body to Montgomery County for an autopsy, and while the preliminary investigation suggests little sign of foul play, authorities have not ruled it out.

The Rock Hill Local School District expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, "It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share the devastating news of the loss of one of our beloved students, Chase Sizemore. Our entire school community mourns the passing of Chase, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Chase was a cherished member of our school community. His presence will be deeply missed by all who know him."