New Details Released In Death Of MN State Trooper Mollie McClure

ST. PAUL, MN — New information has been released surrounding the off-duty death of Minnesota State Trooper Mollie McClure, who drowned last weekend while boating on Waubay Lake in northeastern South Dakota.

According to the Day County, South Dakota Sheriff’s Office, McClure had entered the water to swim on the evening of June 29 but was "unable" to stay afloat:

In the early evening hours of June 29th, 2025, the Day County Sheriff's Office received a call for service regarding a female that had been boating on Waubay Lake. The female had gone into the water and was unable to be located at that time of the call. The following agencies of the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, Codington County Search & Rescue, and the Day County Sheriff’s Office provided swift response to the call.

During an initial search of the area, authorities were unable to locate the female, and with the incoming possibility of severe weather and also the difficulty of resuming the search during nighttime hours, the search was postponed until the early morning hours of June 30th, 2025.

In the early morning hours of June 30th, 2025, the body of a female was recovered an identified as the missing female; further identified as Mollie McClure of Saint Joseph, MN. McClure was a current State Trooper for the Minnesota State Patrol.

The investigation determined that McClure was boating in the northeast part of Waubay Lake and got off the boat to go swimming.

She was unable to stay afloat and went under the water before rescue crews could reach her.

Authorities said they are continuing to investigate why she was unable to stay above water, but no criminal charges have been filed, and all parties involved have cooperated.

"It is with heavy hearts that we send this release of the passing of Trooper Mollie McClure, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends, along with the law enforcement family of McClure," Day County Sheriff Jerred Schreur said in a statement Wednesday.

"It is evident through our investigation that McClure had a great impact with the communities that she served and her dedication to public service will be greatly missed. We ask that all respect the privacy of the McClure family during this difficult time."

McClure, of St. Joseph, Minnesota, joined the State Patrol in 2021 and served in the St. Cloud district.

Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to service left a lasting impact on her colleagues and the community, officials said.

Throughout her career, McClure contributed in many ways, including training trooper academy cadets, serving as a peer counselor, and participating in a workgroup focused on increasing the number of female troopers within the agency.

Beyond her official duties, McClure’s passion for helping others was widely recognized. In 2023, a video of her rescuing a baby deer trapped in a roadside fence went viral on YouTube.

She was also a frequent and beloved presence at recruiting events, where her ability to connect with people was greatly appreciated.

"The Minnesota State Patrol extends its heartfelt condolences to Trooper McClure’s family, friends, and fellow troopers during this profoundly difficult time," the agency said in a statement on Monday.

"The agency stands united in support and honor of her memory. Out of respect for the family’s wishes, privacy is requested as they grieve this immense loss."

The Minnesota State Patrol thanked its partners who provided support "throughout this incident," including the Day County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Day County Emergency Management, Codington County Search and Rescue, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.