Bonner Springs man drowns in Perry Lake

A 30-year-old Bonner Springs man drowned Saturday in Perry Lake, according to Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Herrig.

Jeremy Welch died after entering the water about 5:30 p.m., Herrig said. The lake is part of Perry State Park, about 60 miles west of Kansas City.

The incident occurred in an area of the lake called Party Cove, where visitors tie up their boats and swim. The area is known for having “black water,” with little or no visibility a few feet underwater, Herrig said. Witnesses said Welch jumped into the water and never resurfaced.

The circumstances of the death were under investigation.

Ian Cummings, icummings@kcstar.com

This story was originally published August 29, 2015 at 10:38 PM with the headline "Bonner Springs man drowns in Perry Lake."