(Michigan City, IN) - Authorities are investigating the death of a man while he was taking kite surfing lessons on Lake Michigan in Michigan City.

 

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the victim was 56-year-old Douglas Tolle of Bremen, Ind.

 

After 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, emergency responders were called about a man who nearly drowned near Washington Park Beach.

 

Tolle was reportedly taking part in a kite surfing lesson when, for unknown reasons, he began struggling in the water. Tolle was unconscious when reached by other kite surfers and taken to shore, where CPR was started.

 

The victim, admitted to Franciscan Health in critical condition, passed away Monday afternoon. The preliminary cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest from drowning.

 

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted at the scene by Michigan City Police, the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Michigan City Fire Department.