A family gathering at a popular Bavarian-themed resort in Michigan took a tragic turn when a Navy veteran vanished without explanation.
According to Fox News, Robert Loren Bacon, a 52-year-old father of two, was discovered dead in the Cass River near Heritage Park in Frankenmuth, Michigan, on January 4, after being reported missing since December 27.
The discovery came after an extensive search operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, search dogs, and drones. Bacon was last seen at the Bavarian Inn Lodge around 7:20 p.m. on December 27, where he had been attending a family gathering.
He told family members he was going to his car to retrieve something and would return to join them at the pool area.
The Frankenmuth Police Department initiated the investigation after Bacon's family formally reported him missing on December 30, three days after his disappearance.
The search effort mobilized significant resources, including dive teams that eventually located Bacon's body in the Cass River. Preliminary findings indicate drowning as the cause of death, though authorities await final confirmation from the Saginaw County Medical Examiner's Office.
According to Bacon's ex-wife Melissa McLenna's social media post, attempts to contact him proved futile as his cell phone went straight to voicemail. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death remain unclear, prompting continued investigation by local authorities.
The location of the incident, Frankenmuth, sits between Saginaw and Flint, known for its Bavarian-inspired architecture and tourism appeal. The Bavarian Inn Lodge, where Bacon was last seen, is a popular destination for family gatherings and vacation stays in the region.
McLenna expressed the family's grief in a Facebook post following the discovery of Bacon's body. She wrote:
I have no words to describe how we feel we are so sad I just want to say thank you to everyone that helped look for Robert thank you to all that prayed for us and that are continuing to pray for us.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Bacon's death remains active. The Frankenmuth Police Department continues to gather evidence and information to understand the events that led to his drowning in the Cass River.
Multiple law enforcement entities collaborated in the search efforts, demonstrating the community's commitment to finding answers. The case has drawn attention to safety concerns around the river area, particularly during the winter months when conditions can be hazardous.
A Navy veteran and father of two lost his life under mysterious circumstances after stepping away from a family gathering at Michigan's Bavarian Inn Lodge. Robert Loren Bacon's body was recovered from the Cass River on January 4, following an extensive multi-agency search operation that included dive teams, search dogs, and drone surveillance.
The Frankenmuth Police Department continues their investigation into the incident, working to piece together the events between Bacon's disappearance on December 27 and the discovery of his body eight days later. While drowning has been identified as the preliminary cause of death, authorities await final determination from the Saginaw County Medical Examiner's Office as they seek to understand the complete circumstances of this tragic event.
