Mystery surrounds body found in Lake Michigan with few clues except ‘unique ring’

A fisherman found a body floating on the Indiana side of Lake Michigan, according to officials, who are seeking help in their identification process.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said the angler discovered the body around 8 a.m. Saturday, May 10, about “2 miles offshore from Central Beach.” The beach is part of Indiana Dunes National Park in northern Indiana.

The condition of the body indicated the person had likely “been missing for an extended period of time,” officials said. As of May 12, the body remains unidentified.

The body was removed from the water and an investigation is ongoing, the department said in a news release.

Conservation officers noted the person’s clothing, as well as one distinctive piece of jewelry they were wearing.

“The person was wearing red and black plaid pajama pants, black socks, and there was a unique ring on the right index finger,” officials said.

The wide band of the ring features a repeating pattern that appears to depict tribal-style flames or waves.

Anyone with information is asked to contact conservation officers at 812-837-9536.

This story was originally published May 12, 2025 at 3:27 PM with the headline "Mystery surrounds body found in Lake Michigan with few clues except ‘unique ring’."