It was a deadly weekend in Wabaunsee county, with two un-related deaths occurring. Saturday evening the Wabaunsee County Sheriff’s office deputies responded to McFarland, with an accident reported in the 200 block of Market Street. 34-year-old Gerad Cole of Wamego had apparently fallen from a trailer which was being pulled by a 2005 dodge pick up. Cole and others were in the process of moving household items from one residence to another at the time.
Cole sustained a severe head injury and was transported to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka by life star helicopter where he was later pronounced dead. The accident remains under investigation.
And Sunday morning at about 4:30, a drowning was reported at Lake Wabaunsee. While determining the original report was in error, a second group approached deputies reporting a member of their group was missing. The body of 26-year-old Deland Bretton was later recovered at 8:40 this (Monday) morning near the dam, about 300 yards from where he was last seen.
Recovery was assisted by the Douglas county sheriff’s office dive team and Jefferson county’s boat and crew. no foul play is suspected. An autopsy on Bretton is being requested by the Wabaunsee county coroner.
Officials told KMAN this afternoon that Bretton is from the Alma area.
