Body Recovered from Berlin Lake Identified as Missing Stark County Man

Deerfield Township, OH – Authorities have recovered the body of Jacob Helmick, a man reported missing from Stark County, from Berlin Reservoir on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The discovery was made in the Portage County section of the lake around 4:30 p.m., prompting an investigation by the Portage County Coroner’s Office.

Details of the Recovery

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery in a Facebook post issued on March 10, 2026. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Portage County Water Rescue Team, Stark County Sheriff’s Office, and Deerfield Fire Department.

Identification and Preliminary Findings

The body has been positively identified as Jacob Helmick, a missing person from Stark County. According to the Canton Repository, the Portage County Coroner’s Office reported that the body showed no external signs of injury. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.

Ongoing Investigation

The Portage County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Helmick’s death. Authorities have not yet determined how long the body was in the water before being recovered. WFMJ Local 4 reported that the coroner was notified of the recovery and is leading the investigation.

Berlin Reservoir Overview

Berlin Reservoir, also known as Berlin Lake, spans across Portage, Stark, and Mahoning Counties along the Mahoning River. The reservoir is a popular recreational area, and its size and depth present challenges for search and recovery operations.