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Man Drowns in East Fork Lake
Erwin Kenneth “Kenny” Bromm, 20, of Olney drowned Sunday night, July 21, 1985 in East Fork Lake, where swimming is prohibited.
Bromm was about 75 feet off-shore and had been swimming 10 or 15 minutes when he slipped under the water, authorities were told by his friend, Charles Yager, 19, also of Olney. Yager and a nearby fisherman searched for Bromm but were unable to find him. An off-duty Olney Police Officer joined the search after hearing the fisherman call the police on a citizens band radio.
Local rescue divers recovered the body at 9:55 p.m. in 12 feet of water. Bromm had been wearing jeans and shoes and socks. Richland County Coroner, Susan Bromm, who by marriage is distantly related to the victim, set the time of death at 8:30 p.m.
There was still daylight when Erwin Kenneth Bromm went swimming. He was a good swimmer, Yager said.
The coroner said there are two other lakes, Borah Lake, about a mile north of East Fork Lake and Vernor Lake, three or four miles north of Olney, where swimming is allowed.
Olney Mayor, Gail Lathrop said swimming is not permitted on East Fork Lake because it is the city’s primary water source. Boating and fishing is allowed on that lake, however.
An inquest will be held when toxicology tests are completed.
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Erwin Kenneth “Kenny” Bromm, 20, 106 Harmon, Olney, died 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 1985 as the result of a drowning accident in East Fork Lake. Mr. Bromm was born in Springfield, IL, Nov. 12, 1964, the son of Earl and Beverly (Tucker) Bromm.
He was a press operator for Kex Manufacturing Co.
Besides his parents, survivors include two brothers, Marty and Bradly Bromm, both of Olney, two grandmothers, Mrs. Mirl Bromm, Olney and Mrs. Edith Tucker, Springfield; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Ben Bromm and Albert Tucker.
Services in Summers Funeral Home, Olney with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.
Herald & Review, Decatur, IL – Tuesday, July 23, 1985
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