CAMDEN —The investigation continues into a drowning which claimed the life of a Fairfield man last Tuesday, Aug. 18.

According to Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson, PCSO deputies and Camden EMS responded to the 8200 block of Free Short Pike on Tuesday afternoon, at approximately 5:15 p.m., on a report of a possible drowning which occurred in Seven Mile Creek.

The creek runs parallel to Free Short Pike, just east of the Village of Camden.

Emergency responders arrived and began CPR on the victim, who has since been identified as Seth New, 23.

New was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Simpson, a short time after attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Deputies determined New and family members had been in the creek swimming when a family member discovered him face down in the creek and not breathing. They pulled him to the bank and called 9-1-1, Simpson said.

New was transported to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office where an autopsy was performed. Investigators are awaiting toxicology and autopsy reports.

“At this point, the investigation is leaning toward an apparent drowning,” Simpson said.

Investigators are awaiting final reports from the Coroner’s Office before making a final determination.

Camden Police, Camden Fire and Gasper Township Fire assisted at the scene, according to Simpson. The case remained under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the Preble County Coroner’s Office at press time.