News Release:
(11-3-26) Auglaize County Sheriff Michael Vorhees reports his office is actively investigating the death of 71 year old man James Beckman. James lived in Logan County and was originally reported missing to Logan County Sheriff’s Office, last being seen Saturday morning Oct 31. Through further investigation, James was seen at the Walmart in Wapakoneta and then shortly after at the McDonalds, also in Wapakoneta. After leaving McDonalds, James was seen in the Lowes parking lot and after leaving Lowes, James or his vehicle was not seen again.
Multiple resources were called upon to search for James to include drones, helicopter, airplane, ground units and ATV/UTV vehicles.
On Monday November 2nd the Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a farmer that was taking crops off in Eastern Auglaize County, Goshen Township. The farmer advised he located a vehicle that matched the description of what James was reported to be driving. The farmer further advised a male was in the vehicle and was not breathing. Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement were dispatched to that area and located James, who was later pronounced deceased.
James was located in a ditch, approx. 10’ down, and over 1 mile off the roadway. Where James and the vehicle were located, was not visible from the roadway. It appears that James drove through a farm field access, went into the deep ditch and became stuck.
No Foul play is suspected at this time.
Assisting with the investigation was the Auglaize County Coroner’s Office, Grand Lake Task Force, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne Twp Fire Department, Wapakoneta Police Department, Auglaize County EMA, Auglaize County CERT, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation and Indian Lake EMS.
James was transported to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office pending an autopsy.
The investigation is pending and no further comment can be made at this time.
