CLARKTON — Henry Olden, 74, owner of the old Jerry Clark Farm, is alleged to have drowned Friday night after his gator-type vehicle went into a pond on his property.

Olden's vehicle was about 20 feet from the bank in the pond, according to Bladen County Assistant Coroner and Medical Examiner Kenneth Clark.

Clark said the drowning was reported by a tenant of Olden’s, who reported she came home from dinner and was unable to find him. The tenant discovered the top of the gator in the pond and reported it to authorities.

Clark said he was not sure what had occured, but that Olden was apparently riding the vehicle along the bank. He said the vehicle appeared to have been driven into the pond.

Olden lived off Elkton Road in the Bluefield Community and has lived in southeastern North Carolina for more than 20 years, said Clark. Olden has owned the Clark Farm for more than five years, lived alone and was retired, according to Clark.

Clark said Olden has a son and a daughter who reside in Kansas.

The investigation into the circumstances of Olden’s death is continuing.