Peter Bensinger Obituary, Death – The Benzie County Sheriff’s Office has released details regarding the drowning of 61-year-old Peter Bensinger of Lake Ann, whose body was recovered after an extensive two-day search. Authorities say the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when Bensinger, while out on a boat, decided to jump into Lake Ann for a swim. However, high winds at the time caused his boat to drift away, leaving him unable to reach it.
Deputies were called to the scene around 2 p.m. Saturday after reports of a possible drowning. Multiple emergency response teams joined the effort to locate Bensinger, launching an intensive search both in the water and along the shoreline. The Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Dive Team was among the agencies that participated. Despite prompt rescue operations, Bensinger could not be found that day.
According to the sheriff’s office, a nearby boater heard cries for help and quickly moved to assist. That individual was able to rescue Bensinger’s companion, who had also been in the water. Unfortunately, Bensinger was not visible, and his location remained unknown despite immediate search efforts. Emergency personnel continued to scour the lake through Saturday evening, battling challenging weather conditions that hampered visibility and slowed the search.
The search resumed early Sunday morning with divers, boats, and specialized equipment deployed to comb the area. At approximately 11 a.m., the dive team recovered Bensinger’s body from the lake. Officials confirmed he had drowned, noting that the combination of high winds, drifting distance from the boat, and the difficulty of swimming in such conditions likely contributed to the tragedy.
The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to Bensinger’s family and friends, acknowledging the devastating impact of the loss. They also commended the rescue teams and local boaters who assisted in the search, highlighting the collaborative effort that spanned two days.
Authorities reminded the public about water safety precautions, especially when boating in unpredictable weather. They emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets, monitoring wind and wave conditions, and ensuring that swimmers remain close to their boats or docks. They also advised that individuals avoid entering the water alone and ensure that someone on board can maneuver the boat if necessary.
Bensinger, a resident of the Lake Ann community, was known locally, and news of his death has deeply affected residents in the area. While the investigation into the circumstances of the incident is closed, law enforcement officials hope the tragedy serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of open-water swimming, particularly in changing weather conditions.
The sheriff’s office has not released further personal details about Bensinger but confirmed that his family has been notified. They expressed gratitude to the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Dive Team, local fire departments, and civilian volunteers for their persistence and professionalism during the search and recovery mission.
This incident underscores how quickly a recreational outing can turn dangerous, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance, proper safety measures, and preparedness while enjoying Michigan’s lakes and waterways.
