Holiday World, Santa Claus, IN -

As reported several days ago, Will Koch, owner and manager of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, passed away on Sunday, June 13. However, some new details involving his death have surfaced recently. The Spencer County coroner and a park representative confirmed today that Will Koch drowned of asphyxiation.

Paula Werne, spokeswoman for Holiday World, reported that Koch’s wife, Lori, found him in the family’s pool. Both park representatives and the family believe his diabetes was a contributing factor to his drowning, as “he was an excellent swimmer.”

As previously reported, Will was responsible for bringing the park its first two wooden coasters, the Raven in 1995 and the Legend in 2000, and was also part designer of the Voyage, built in 2006. He helped the park break one million visitors in a season, expanded the waterpark, introduced the world’s longest water coaster, and brought the first set of Timberliners to Holiday World for use on the Voyage. Winner of the 2004 International Applause Award and the man responsible for the park’s enormous success over the past 20 years, Will Koch will be missed dearly by family, friends, Holiday World, and the industry.

Funeral services for Will Koch are be held today, Thursday, June 17, at the United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Ind at 10:30 AM. Visitation was held at the church yesterday from 2 PM to 8 PM CST.