Indianapolis musician Teddy E. Vincent dies in Geist Reservoir drowning

INDIANAPOLIS — A well-known Indianapolis musician is dead after he jumped into Geist Reservoir without a life jacket Sunday afternoon.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said Vincent Patton, 33, died at IU Health Saxony Hospital after he was under water for about 50 minutes.

Patton, known professionally as R&B musician and producer Teddy E. Vincent, performed at many venues and events across central Indiana and owned Writer's Block Music Company in Indianapolis.

E. Vincent

Patton was also a track and wrestling coach at Guion Creek Middle School, according to a Facebook post from MSD of Pike Township. He was a graduate of Pike High School.

"We are grateful for the positive impact that Mr. Patton had on our student-athletes and everyone he encountered," the district wrote in the post. "He was a valued member of our Pike Family who will be deeply missed."

Counselors are available to support students and staff.

Fishers Fire Department public information officer John Mehling said the first 911 call came in around 2:40 p.m. The first boat deployed less than ten minutes later, and Patton was located just before 3:30.

Witnesses said Patton was not wearing a life jacket when he jumped into the water to retrieve a piece of clothing. He attempted to swim back to the boat, but never resurfaced, according to DNR.

"You never know what the situation's going to be. You may be a strong swimmer, and if you're certainly not a strong swimmer always have that with you. If a medical situation that occurs while you're in the water, being a strong swimmer doesn't help you," Mehling said. "You've gotta have those life vests on."

Mehling said another person was able to rescue themselves from the water.

"In this situation, we had a number of bystanders that were able to help direct where the victim was last seen, and at that point we were able to make a quicker response and dive in the correct area," Mehling said.

The incident remains under investigation. The Fishers Police Department, Fishers Fire Department, Fishers EMS, and Indianapolis Fire Department responded to the call.

Patton was remembered on Twitter following his death: