Drowning victim had large amount of cash

Investigators say it won’t be until later this week before detailed information regarding a Sunday drowning at Laurel Ridge Boat Ramp, located off of KY 312.
According to Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley, Estil Rose, 34, of London, was officially pronounced dead at 2:40 a.m. Monday after his body was retrieved from about 30 feet of water near the boat ramp.
At about 9:30 p.m., the Corbin 911 dispatch center received a call of a possible drowning at the ramp. Police and fire crews immediately responded. Some time later, divers from the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad were dispatched to search for Rose’s body. Authorities said they were delayed by a thunderstorm that moved through the area, bringing with it high winds and dangerous lighting. His body was retrieved from the water just after 1:00 a.m.
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Special Agent Bob O’Neill, Jr. who is investigating the case, said the circumstances surrounding the drowning are still unclear, but hopes to have a better picture by week’s end.
“We are having trouble rounding up some of the witnesses to do interviews,” O’Neill said. “I’m still getting a bunch of different stories.”
O’Neill said five people witnessed the drowning and claim Rose was a good swimmer.
Rose’s body was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy. Preliminary results show that he did in fact drown.
O’Neill would not elaborate on why Rose was at the dock or what factors may have led to his death. Reports indicate that investigators found a “significant amount” of money on Rose after he was pulled from the water. O’Neill said some “currency” was taken by police, but would not confirm the amount.
He also refused to comment on whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the drowning.
Regulations prohibit swimming within 300 feet of the dock, but O’Neill said Rose and others were swimming in the area for some time before the drowning.
“By the end of the week we should know what has caused all of this and whether or not we will close the investigation or continue it.”