An investigation is underway into the death of an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Officer as he responded to a report of two teens who had fallen through the ice at Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County.

Natural Resource Officer Jason was dispatched to the park Tuesday evening to investigate reports that two people had fallen through the ice near the North Shore boat docks. During the search, Officer Lagore suffered a medical emergency and was taken to Highland District Hospital in Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was pronounced deceased.

 A 13-year-old male who fell through the ice was able to get out of the water. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

The second victim, a 16-year-old female, was recovered by divers unresponsive. She was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced deceased. ODNR is leading the ongoing investigation into the incident.

 Officer Lagore, who served 15 years with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, was responsible for the first ODNR K-9 academy and led the Division of Parks and Watercraft K-9 training program.

Officer Lagore is survived by his wife Michelle, his two young sons, and his K-9 partner, Sarge.

To honor officer Lagore, Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds in Highland County, and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus. Flags should remain lowered until sunset on the day of Officer Lagore's funeral.

All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly U.S. and Ohio flags at half-staff at their discretion for the same time.

This order will run concurrently with Tuesday’s order to lower flags in honor of the more than 500,000 Americans who died due to COVID-19.

Flags on public buildings and grounds in Highland County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower should remain lowered after February 26, 2021, if Officer Lagore’s funeral has not yet taken place.