Plymouth PD: Body recovered after man reportedly jumped into Mullet River to retrieve dog

PLYMOUTH -- The Plymouth Police Department on Saturday, Oct. 5 confirmed a body was recovered following a search for 63-year-old Kevan McClintock near the Mullet River. This, after police said it was believed he entered the water on Thursday, Oct. 3 to retrieve his dog.

Police said a group of kayakers consisting of family and friends of McClintock contacted law enforcement around 11:30 a.m. Saturday to report they had found a body in the water. Police responded, along with the Sheboygan County Dive Team. The body was recovered and positively identified as McClintock.

Around 1 p.m. Thursday,  police in Plymouth received a report of a missing person. The family reported the 63-year-old man had last been seen by the Mullet River in downtown Plymouth at 12:30 a.m. His dog had jumped into the river and he went to retrieve the animal. The dog was later found by a friend.

Police said no one saw McClintock enter the water -- and initially, it was presumed that he had gone to a local tavern.

Search for man who jumped into Mullet River to retrieve his dog



Search for man who jumped into Mullet River to retrieve his dog



Later that morning, the friend who retrieved the dog became more concerned as it was learned McClintock's car was still in the downtown area. The family checked his residence and other locations he may have gone to, and he was not located.

The Plymouth Police Department immediately started an investigation into the missing person complaint.

The focus of their search was along the river. The Plymouth Police Department requested the assistance of the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office's Drone Team and a helicopter from the Wisconsin National Guard to check the river on Thursday. The Drone Team was utilized again Friday morning. Dive teams were in the water Friday afternoon  -- searching the river downstream through the City of Plymouth, up to State Highway 67, where it widens and deepens.

Search for man who jumped into Mullet River to retrieve his dog



Search for man who jumped into Mullet River to retrieve his dog



Search teams did experience difficulties due to the high-water levels and a fast-moving current. The Plymouth Fire Department also searched the river banks by foot.

The search efforts were suspended Friday evening around 6:15 p.m. Plymouth police said, "We have searched the river, its banks, and other areas we feel Mr. McClintock may have been. To continue searching beyond what we have done would compromise the safety of the search and rescue teams. We will continue to follow up on the information we have, as well as any new information that we receive. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McClintock family."