CAMDEN — The body of a fourth person who drowned Wednesday in a water-filled quarry near this western Ohio town was found Saturday night.

        The body of Jim Wood Jr., 42, surfaced at 7:13 p.m. while divers were in the water, said Capt. Mike Simpson of the Preble County Sher iff's Department. Mr. Wood's body was recovered 30 feet from shore in the general area of the other three drowning victims.

        The bodies of Mr. Wood's two daughters — Tara, 11, and Josey, 9 — were recovered Thursday, along with the body of Russell Hileman, 37.

        All the victims lived in the Camden area. The village, about 25 miles west of Dayton, has about 2,500 residents.

        More than 20 divers - including officers from Butler and Hamilton counties and Dayton — searched the murky waters for 3 1/2 days, Capt. Simpson said.

        The quarry, which is about 300 yards long and 100 yards wide, is owned by Wysong Gravel but has not been used to mine gravel for years, authorities said. Water from a stream feeds the quarry, and heavy rains can create strong currents.

        “Hopefully people will just use some good sense when they go around water

        in the future,” said Capt. Simpson. “Life jackets would have prevented this whole tragedy.”

        The girls were fishing from the bank of the quarry about 5 p.m. Wednesday when they were pulled into the water by the current, investigators said. Their father went after them and also was pulled in, and Mr. Hileman — who was fishing nearby — jumped in and tried to rescue the family.

        Search teams employed divers and used sonar and infrared cameras. The flow of the creek was blocked by heavy equipment, and the quarry was partially drained, Capt. Simpson said.

        “A lot of people are glad it is over,” Capt. Simpson said. “We got closer to the family.”

        Mr. Wood worked with Mr. Hileman at Drake State Hearing & Air Service in West Alexandria.

        Meanwhile, part-time Camden Officer Paul Plaugher Jr., 20, who was injured when he wrecked his cruiser Wednesday while responding to the report of drownings, is in stable condition at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. Capt. Simpson said Officer Plaugher is improving each day.

        Enquirer reporter Jim Hannah contributed to this story.
       

Police data scattered, error-filled
Police creating new system
Justice Dept. officials returning to investigate
Three found dead after shootout
School plan faces Supreme Court test
Gay Pride Parade today
Taft's vetoes anger GOP
Body of 4th drowning victim found
Building an agenda for HUC
About Hebrew Union College
What good are naming rights?
Kick the mob out of council meetings
Speaking to council is not a right
Wyoming High alumni visit homes of their youth
Brownfields redeveloped
Civil War comes to life in Ohio
Covington seen as 'economic opportunity'
GOP no slouch at raising taxes
Deputy Sheriff, wife shot to death
Groups promote safe boating
Local Digest
Louisville's new council map shown
'Pioneers' pitch in at Taft High School
Rare heart ailment strikes 3 horses in southern Ohio
Retired officer dies in car wreck
Set-aside proposed to fix riot damage
Warren Co. revels in past