Search-Rescue Team Finds Missing Man - Sewer Repairs on County Line Road - Epcon Plans Homes Near Hoover
Missing Delaware Man and Vehicle Recovered From Hoover Reservoir
Authorities have recovered the vehicle and remains of 21-year-old Trenton Rollins, the Delaware man who had been missing since March. His blue BMW 430i was found submerged in Hoover Reservoir earlier this week.
Chaos Divers, the independent search-and-rescue team hired by the family, found the submerged car on Monday using sonar. The Columbus Division of Police Dive Team and Hoover Reservoir rangers assisted in the recovery. According to Chaos Divers, the extraction required heavy lift bags and support from a 200-horsepower SeaArk boat operated by the rangers. The team said their own 300-horsepower SeaArk work boat helped break through several inches of ice, allowing the recovery to move forward.
Human remains were found in the car during the recovery. Police say early examinations indicate they are consistent with Rollins, though the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office will handle formal identification and additional testing.
Rollins was last seen leaving his Delaware home early on March 16. At the time, police believed he had gone on his own and did not suspect foul play.
In a statement, the Delaware Police Department thanked Chaos Divers, Columbus police, and other partner agencies for their work on the case. Rollins’ family also shared a message of gratitude, saying their hearts remain heavy, but they are thankful to finally have answers after eight months of searching.
Unexpected Repairs Close County Line Traffic Lane
Unscheduled repairs on a sewer pipe closed a lane of westbound County Line Road on Wednesday after inspections revealed a blockage in the pipe.
After a series of tests, including water flow and air pressure testing, a camera system revealed concrete obstructions that were preventing the free flow of stormwater through the system.
Crews removed the concrete through a manhole located in the middle of the intersection, causing traffic to be rerouted around the work zone.
Epcon buys land near Hoover Reservoir after recent Africa Road sale to Westerville
Epcon Properties announced that it has bought about 30 acres on Cubbage Road, just east of the entrance to Hoover Reservoir, for nearly $6 million. The purchase comes only months after the company sold 56 acres on Africa Road to the City of Westerville for $5.5 million as part of the 88-acre East of Africa business development project. The remainder of the land purchase for the project was from Romanelli and Hughes.
For the new project, Epcon is partnering with Irvine, California–based Arroyo Capital. County records show Arroyo purchased five parcels for the Courtyards on Cubbage, a 106-unit residential community planned for empty nesters 55 and older, the demographic Epcon is known for serving.
Although the site sits near Westerville and the east Hoover Reservoir park entrance, it lies within Columbus city limits and is in the Westerville School District. Columbus annexed the land earlier this year and approved Epcon’s rezoning and variance requests in June.
Homes in the development will start around 1,500 square feet and top 2,800, with expansion options up to 3,800. Prices are expected to start in the $500,000s. The plan includes a clubhouse, fitness center, pool and pickleball courts.
Presales are scheduled to begin in summer 2026.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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