EMILY — Divers found the body of a 19-year-old man in Little Emily Lake on Tuesday, May 12, after he called 911 to report the paddle boat he was on had capsized.
The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office reported the call came at 12:31 p.m. The man told a dispatcher that he and two women were in the water and the call unexpectedly disconnected.
Responders arrived on scene and found the two women, ages 20 and 22, who reported that the man had not returned to shore. One of the women was transported by ambulance for injuries related to cold exposure.
Crow Wing County Boat and Water personnel, along with dive team members, initiated search operations. At approximately 2:54 p.m., responders located and recovered the man's body in roughly 23 feet of water.
The sheriff's office reported the people involved were college students visiting the area. Several lake residents also assisted with rescue efforts.
"The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation for their timely and helpful response. Please keep the families of all involved in your prayers as they go through this very difficult traumatic time," the release stated.
Those involved were not identified in the Tuesday afternoon release. The sheriff's office stated the investigation is ongoing.
Assisting were the Emily Fire Department and first responders, Crosslake Fire Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Enforcement, Crosslake Police Department, Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Ambulance and the Crow Wing County Drone Team.
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