News Release

Law Enforcement Ranger Dies During Incident Response on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park

Date: October 6, 2024
Contact: Kate Severson

Editor's note: This news release has been corrected to reflect that the ranger and park visitors were all in an NPS boat when the vessel capsized. 

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — The National Park Service (NPS) is mourning the loss of a law enforcement park ranger who died Sunday, October 6 in St. Louis County while responding to a call for help.    

The law enforcement ranger responded late Sunday morning to a call for assistance from a distressed civilian vessel on Namakan Lake. While transporting three park visitors from the vessel, the ranger's NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three individuals being assisted into the water.   

The three members of the public were able to swim to safety, but the ranger was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, the ranger’s body was recovered from Namakan Lake at approximately 3:20 p.m.   

The incident is under investigation. High winds and rough waters were reported at the time.   

The United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, and Kabetogama Fire Department assisted in the search and recovery.  

The ranger’s name is being withheld until all notifications are made. No further information is available at this time.