Ohio Amish Family Tragedy at Atwood Lake: Mother’s Mental Health Crisis Leads to Devastating Loss

August 25, 2025

Editor’s Note: This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

A tragic incident unfolded at Atwood Lake in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where an Amish mother from Holmes County, visiting for a weekend outing, intentionally drove a golf cart carrying three of her children into the lake. This devastating event, occurring around 10:39 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, led to the deaths of her 4-year-old son, Vincen Miller, and her 45-year-old husband, Marcus J. Miller, whose bodies were later found in the lake. The mother’s actions, reportedly driven by a mental health crisis, have left the community in shock and raised questions about mental health support within isolated communities like the Amish.

The Incident at Atwood Lake

According to Sheriff Orvis L. Campbell of the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, the mother was accompanied by her 18-year-old twin sons and 15-year-old daughter when she drove the golf cart into Atwood Lake, located approximately 84 miles southeast of Cleveland. Witnesses initially believed the golf cart was out of control, urging the mother to brake, but authorities later confirmed the act was intentional. The three older children escaped the water unharmed, but the mother made “concerning statements about conversing with God,” indicating a severe mental health crisis.

Sheriff Campbell reported that the mother’s statements and behavior suggested she believed she was acting on divine instructions. She allegedly subjected her children to “ritualistic” activities before driving into the lake. The shallow water allowed the older children to exit safely, but the incident prompted immediate concern for the whereabouts of her 4-year-old son and husband.

Grim Discoveries in the Lake

Following the crash, authorities launched an extensive search involving over 15 agencies, including local fire departments and dive teams. On August 23, around 6 p.m., divers located the body of 4-year-old Vincen Miller at the bottom of the lake near a boat dock. The search for the father, Marcus J. Miller, continued into the next day. On Sunday, August 24, sonar-equipped boats detected an object 50 yards from the dock, leading divers to recover Marcus’s body around 8:30 a.m. The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office took custody of both bodies, and autopsies are being conducted by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm identities and causes of death.

Sheriff Campbell stated that the mother admitted to placing her 4-year-old son in the water, believing she was following divine guidance. Authorities also believe Marcus Miller died by suicide, with evidence suggesting he entered the lake hours before his son’s death, possibly also influenced by a belief in a divine mission.

Mental Health Crisis and Community Impact

The mother was hospitalized for mental health concerns following the incident, and her three surviving children were released to family members. Authorities have not yet announced whether charges will be filed, as the investigation remains ongoing. The sheriff described the event as an “unusual tragedy,” highlighting the complexity of addressing mental health crises, particularly within the Amish community, which often prioritizes privacy and self-reliance.

The Amish family, residents of Holmes County, were visiting Atwood Lake for a weekend getaway. The incident has sparked discussions about mental health awareness and access to care in Amish communities, where stigma and limited access to professional services can exacerbate crises. Sheriff Campbell noted that the mother’s statements about divine communication underscored the severity of her mental state, raising questions about how such crises can be identified and addressed before they lead to tragedy.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Response

The Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the coroner’s office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Authorities executed a search warrant to gather additional evidence, piecing together witness statements and the mother’s account to understand the sequence of events. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the scale of the response and the community’s commitment to seeking answers.

This tragedy has left the Holmes County Amish community and the broader Tuscarawas County region grappling with grief and questions about prevention. Posts on X reflect public shock and concern, with some users noting the mother’s reported statements about divine communication as a sign of a profound mental health crisis. However, these posts are inconclusive and serve only to highlight the community’s response to the incident.

Moving Forward

This heartbreaking event underscores the urgent need for mental health resources and awareness, particularly in communities where cultural or religious factors may limit access to care. As the investigation continues, authorities and community leaders face the challenge of balancing respect for Amish traditions with the need to provide support for those experiencing mental health crises. The loss of Vincen and Marcus Miller serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of untreated mental health conditions.

For those struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org for immediate support.