42-year-old man dies after being pulled from Paw Paw River

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich.—A 42-year-old man died on July 28 after he was pulled from Paw Paw River, according to Michigan State Police.

First responders were sent to a water rescue around 7:29 p.m. on Paw Paw River in the 7100 block of Red Arrow Highway in Watervliet Township.

Police say that Chad Whittington, 42, of Coloma, was kayaking on the river with his wife when they took a break to swim.

Whittington became distressed while in the water and his wife was able to pull him partially to shore and call 911.

Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and Whittington was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for July 29 in Kalamazoo.