Orland Park man dies trying to fix Michigan well

WAUCEDAH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Police say a 77-year-old Orland Park man has died while trying to repair a well in northern Michigan.

Investigators say James Ennis climbed into the 12-foot-deep well in Dickinson County’s Waucedah Township on Wednesday afternoon to make repairs.

State police say a friend lowered dry ice into the well that was to be used in the repair, but the dry ice reacted and used up oxygen at the bottom of the well. Police say that Ennis lost consciousness while trying to climb out and the friend called 911.

Rescue crews got Ennis out, but he died. Police say the death is being considered accidental. Waucedah Township is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.