Police find marijuana on the survivor from capsized canoe at city lake

An Illinois Department of Natural Resources spokesman said the two occupants of a canoe that capsized on city lake Monday had no life jackets. Two Du Quoin officers were nearby on shore at the time. And, marijuana and a pipe were found on the surviving victim.

Du Quoin Chief of Police Jamie Ellermeyer said IDNR is handling the investigation. IDNR spokesman Chris Young was helpful, but could offer little new information. He said there would be no press release.

John E. Pavlak, 42, of Du Quoin was the drowning victim. Ellermeyer said he and wife Heather M. Woodcock, 32, launched their canoe from the boat launch on the west side of the lake. They had paddled out between 300 and 400 yards before the canoe capsized. Ellermeyer said Woodcock swam to a neck north of where the accident happened. Pavlak's body was found in the vicinity of the capsizing.

It was a beautiful day and nearby fishermen sensed the distress and were the first to give assistance. Du Quoin officers Steve Ingram and Ron Darnell were lakeside, as well, on a detail trying to determine how best to police the area this summer.

As first responders at the scene cared for Woodcock on the shore someone noticed what was believed to be a packet of marijuana tucked down in her bra. They later found a pipe used to smoke it in one of her pockets.

Ellermeyer said IDNR will conduct an investigation through its Benton, Ill. office. Pinckneyville Ambulance Service medics, Du Quoin police, Perry County sheriff's deputies and conservation police assisted.