Three people drown near Myersville; search continues for missing teens

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

by Patrick Dunne

Staff Writer

Frederick County officials continue to investigate the drowning of three people near Myersville Tuesday night, as state and county police resumed their search this morning for two teens who went missing near the Frederick-Carroll county border.

Jesse Haulsee, 24, and Angelia Haulsee, 29, were found drowned in Catoctin Creek along Md. Route 17 shortly after 9 p.m. Eric Zepp, 19, was taken to Frederick Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to authorities, the victims, who all lived in Myersville, were driving on Bittle Road when their car stalled. The driver of a pickup truck offered them a ride, and they somehow fell into the swollen creek. Police are not releasing the name of the pickup driver.

‘‘How they got into the water, we’re still investigating that,” said Cpl. Jennifer Bailer, Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, the search resumed Wednesday morning for the 14- and 15-year-olds near Keymar. They left their homes Tuesday evening to look at the flooded Little Pipe Creek near Md. Route 194 and the Frederick-Carroll border.

State troopers, canine units and county fire and rescue staff called off the search after 11:15 p.m. because of the weather.

The search resumed at daybreak. Jack Markey, director of the Frederick County Office of Emergency Management, said the search would be easier during the day.

One of the teen’s father found a bike and clothing near a railroad bridge after they failed to return home last night, and called police.

Anyone with more information about the teens is asked to call State Police at 410-653-4200.

Check back later for continuing updates.