The kayaker that went over the dam at Ellis Lock Sunday evening has died.

According to Ohio Department of Natural Resources media coordinator Eric Heis, the man, whose name was not released at the time of publication, was taken to Genesis Hospital following his rescue from the Muskingum River. He was later pronounced dead.

The man was later identified as 53 year-old David Casler of Malvern, Ohio.

At approximately 5:45 p.m. a fisherman near the dam, located at the Historic Lock and Dam #11, called emergency personnel after witnessing the man tumble over the dam.

Heis said the man went over the dam, which is considered a lowhead dam, and did not resurface for some time.

A lowhead dam is not easily visible and is designed to stop the back flow of water in the river.

Initially, it was reported that both a man and a woman went over the dam. After investigating, it was discovered that only one person went over the dam. The man’s wife was able to exit the river before the dam and re-entered the water to follow after her husband below the dam.

According to the fisherman that witnessed the event, by the time emergency personnel arrived at the Historic Lock and Dam #11, the kayaker had floated down past the railroad bridge.

Captain John Hodges with Falls Township Fire Department said a rescue boat was launched and the victim, as well as the woman that was with him, were located near Terrace Shores in Muskingum Township.

ODNR is currently investigating the situation.

Falls Township Fire Department, Dresden Fire and EMS, Washington Township Fire Department, the Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office and Ohio Department of Natural Resources were all on scene.

A media release from Falls Township Fire Department stated that nearby Good Samaritan boaters also assisted firefighters.