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Columbia County, FL: Body Found at State Park, Oct. 21
Fort White, FL – A 75 year old man was found dead at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Columbia County after a couple floating down the springs noticed a person holding onto a float in the water. Auth
By Avery Collins · 2026-10-27T08:34:35.678Z
Fort White, FL – A 75 year old man was found dead at Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Columbia County after a couple floating down the springs noticed a person holding onto a float in the water. Authorities have identified the deceased visitor and say investigators found no signs of foul play.
According to the Columbia County Sheriff 's Office, deputies responded to Ichetucknee Springs State Park at approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, after receiving a report of a deceased person in the springs.
The discovery was made by a couple floating along the waterway.
Investigators said the witnesses noticed a float stuck in the middle of the water with a man's body hanging onto it by one arm.
One of the witnesses approached the float, pulled the deceased man from the water and called 911 to report the discovery.
Deputies subsequently arrived at the popular North Florida recreation destination to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Authorities identified the deceased man as Dennis John Faust, 75.
According to the sheriff's office, park attendants recognized Faust as a regular visitor to Ichetucknee Springs.
The Alachua County Sheriff's Office assisted by notifying his family of his death.
Detectives examining the circumstances reported no signs of foul play, although the official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined.
The Medical Examiner's Office will make the final determination regarding Faust's death.
The sheriff's office did not release additional details about how long Faust may have been in the water or what circumstances preceded the discovery.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, located near Fort White in Columbia County, is a popular destination for tubing, swimming and other water recreation activities.
The incident highlights the importance of promptly contacting emergency services when someone appears to be in distress or unresponsive in the water.
As of the sheriff's office announcement, investigators had not indicated that criminal activity was suspected.
Additional information may become available following the medical examiner's findings.