Body of Montana man, 52, pulled from Lake CdA

A man found floating in Lake Coeur d’Alene early Friday morning has been identified as 52-year-old Edmond J. Nelson, of Butte, Mont.

Coeur d’Alene police say foul play doesn’t appear to be a factor in the death of Nelson, who reportedly attempted suicide in Seattle on Tuesday by trying to drown himself in Puget Sound.

Police said in a press release that Nelson was rescued that time.

A passer-by spotted Nelson floating in Lake Coeur d’Alene, fully clothed, about 7 a.m. and reported it to Coeur d’Alene Resort security, Coeur d’Alene police Capt. Ron Clark said. The resort then contacted police.

Coeur d’Alene fire personnel pulled Nelson’s body to shore where the concrete steps at Independence Point meet City Beach.

Kootenai County sheriff’s dive crews spent the morning searching the water for possible evidence.

Clark said there were no obvious signs of trauma to Nelson’s body, and it appeared he had been in the water for only hours before he was found.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death, Clark said.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Coeur d’Alene police at (208) 769-2320 or the tip line at (208) 769-2296.