WALKER — An autopsy of the 59-year-old Cass Lake woman who crashed a pontoon Tuesday, Aug. 26, in Leech Lake showed she suffered a medical emergency before the crash.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office provided the updated information on Thursday, Aug. 28, and identified the victim as Theresa Kay Cechini.
The sheriff's office received a report around 1:25 p.m. Tuesday of a boat crashing into the rocks and shoreline near Walker City Park.
Responders found Cechini unresponsive in a 2016 Regency Tri-Toon. She was the only occupant.
Lifesaving efforts immediately began, according to the release, and continued while the woman was transported to the Walker airport, where she was pronounced dead.
The Walker police and fire departments and North Memorial Health Ambulance and Air Care assisted in the response.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEIron Rangers are concerned about the future of the facility because U.S. Steel estimated an $814 million cost to comply with the state's wild rice sulfate standard. -
Recent findings showed those who carry out school shootings are often in a noticeable crisis, meaning students, staff and parents should be trained to recognize concerning behavior. -
Contributed/Tony Webster, FlickrOn Aug. 28, 2025, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of a shooting incident in the Prescott Housing area in Wilkinson Township, south of Cass Lake. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrA recent statewide survey from the University of Minnesota asked residents about their concerns for lakes and rivers, views on conservation and support for science solutions. -
Six more horses were confirmed with the disease in short order in Fillmore, Lincoln, Wadena, Mille Lacs and Wabasha counties. Five of the seven have died. -
Kari Hedlund/ContributedListen as the KAXE Music Team puts a wrap on music released in July and other great listens in the "Monthly Music Recap," part of "Headwaters" on KAXE. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDanielle Miller failed to state the factual basis for her plea. A trial is set for October 2025, but the Itasca County attorney doesn't think it will make it that far. -
Contributed/Happy Dancing TurtleHappy Dancing Turtle is a nonprofit in Pine River dedicated to growing good stewards of the planet. The organization's nature class for 4- and 5-year-olds begins Sept. 8, 2025. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerThe mourners packed into the bleachers and stood to the side of the procession. Gov. Tim Walz, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Attorney General Keith Ellison were in attendance. -
Plus: A Beltrami County deputy and a fleeing man were injured in a pursuit; filings are open for the Bois Forte Tribal Council special election; and Walk-In Access to some private lands opens Sept. 1.
