Body Recovered from Berlin Lake Identified as Missing Stark County Man

Deerfield Township, OH – Authorities have confirmed the body recovered from Berlin Lake on March 10, 2026, is Jacob Helmick, 52, of Lexington Township, Stark County. Helmick had been missing since January 5, 2026, after being involved in a vehicle crash.

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office initially reported Helmick missing on January 12, 2026, after he failed to return home following the crash according to a Facebook post.

Portage County Coroner’s investigator Lynn Scott stated the body showed no external signs of injury. A fisherman discovered the remains around 4:30 to 5 p.m. On the shore of the lake, and Helmick was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:23 p.m. .

As of March 11, 2026, the cause of death remains undetermined, pending an autopsy by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office . The body was found near the boundary between Portage and Stark counties .

The recovery operation involved multiple agencies, including the Portage County Water Rescue Team, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Deerfield Township Fire Department, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and Stark County Sheriff’s Office .

Fox 8 News also reported on the recovery of Helmick’s body on March 10, 2026.