Boat Capsizes, Park Ranger Dies During Rescue Mission On MN Lake

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, MN — The National Park Service (NPS) is mourning the loss of a park ranger who died Sunday while responding to a call for help at Voyageurs National Park in St. Louis County, Minnesota.

The ranger responded late Sunday morning to a call for assistance from a distressed civilian vessel on Namakan Lake, according to the NPS.

While towing the distressed vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three individuals being assisted into the water, officials said.

The three civilians swam to safety. However, 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., officials said.

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

The U.S. 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 while the family is being notified.