Newberry County Coroner Craig Newton has released the identity of a missing local man found in a Newberry County private pond. John Linwood Richardson, 82 years old, of Prosperity was recovered by the Newberry County Dive Team at approximately 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Mr. Richardson was well known in the Newberry County area. He was a former educator and baseball coach at Mid-Carolina High School. He was also a State Constable assigned to the Newberry Sheriff's Department performing multiple duties for many years. He was well respected by the law enforcement and education communities of Newberry County. Mr. Richardson was reported missing by his family at approximately 11:00 p.m. after failing to return from an afternoon of fishing. His vehicle was located at approximately 11:30 p.m. at a private pond off of Hwy 773 near St. Paul's Church. The Newberry County Sheriff's Department, Newberry County Dive Team, Pomaria Rescue Squad, and SLED responded to assist in the search. Coach Richardson was located and removed by the dive team at 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Coroner Newton indicated it is suspected that Richardson waded into the pond to secure a dropped fishing rod, lost his balance and fell. He had been fishing from the bank and no boat was involved in the accident. An autopsy performed Saturday morning revealed that his death was accidental and was caused by asphyxiation by drowning. Coroner Newton added that the loss of Coach Richardson was a "tremendous loss for our entire community. He was truly a public servant and he will be missed by all of Newberry County. Our prayers are certainly with the Richardson family during this difficult time".
