By Deb Patterson
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Michael DeWitt

Lake Wawasee’s former owner of The Car Company, Mike DeWitt, and another person believed to have ties to Lake Wawasee, Jack Faler, died Saturday night, August 24, at a home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. DeWitt and Faler were found dead following a reported gas leak at 433 Palermo Circle around 9:30 p.m.

DeWitt is the listed owner of the property and purchased the property on May 8, 2018.

The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department, Iona McGregor Fire District and Lee County EMS responded after receiving reports of a gas leak. The bodies of Dewitt and another man were discovered inside the home after emergency responders arrived.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether the gas leak contributed to the deaths and is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Reports say the type of gas has yet to be determined, but it appears to be coming from a pool heater.

“We will miss him very much. He did a lot and helped people without being recognized for it,” said a close friend of DeWitt who wished to remain anonymous.

DeWitt is survived by his mother, Barbara DeWitt of Syracuse, and his sister, Marti (Terry) Likens of North Webster. His brother, Mark DeWitt, preceded him in death on June 8.