For Immediate Release

JCSO Responds to Fatal Water Emergency in Rural Johnson County

JOHNSON COUNTY, IA, May 30, 2025 – On May 29, 2025, at 6:51pm, Johnson County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of a person in the water at a residence on Deborah Drive NE in rural Solon. Upon arrival, an unresponsive male was found floating in a small neighborhood pond behind the residence. The male was identified as Douglas Johnson, 85, of Solon. Life-saving measures were performed by deputies, Swisher Fire Department, North Liberty Fire Department, and Area Ambulance. Johnson was transported to Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids by Area Ambulance Services and later pronounced deceased.

An investigation revealed that Johnson went out to trim weeds in the backyard around 3:00pm. When Johnson’s wife had not seen him after the usual amount of time, she called a neighbor to check on Johnson. The neighbor found Johnson face down in the pond and immediately called 911.

The incident remains under investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and the Linn County Medical Examiner, and no further information is available for release.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Swisher Fire Department, North Liberty Fire Department, and Area Ambulance for their response efforts. No foul play is suspected at this time.

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