Editor's note: This story was updated on July 10, 2026, to reflect the identity of the victim.
BEMIDJI — The body of a man was recovered Friday, July 3, from a lake north of Bemidji after he reportedly entered the water from a boat and never resurfaced.
Beltrami County received a 911 call reporting the incident on Movil Lake about 5 p.m. Sheriff's deputies and other first responders were dispatched to the area and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officers also arrived at the scene.
About a half-hour later, an object believed to be a body was identified in about 25 feet of water. But responders were forced to evacuate the area because of severe thunderstorms moving in.
After the weather cleared, the Lakes Area Dive Team arrived and investigated the area marked by the initial responders. At about 8:30 p.m., divers located the body of a man matching a description of the missing person.
The body was recovered and transported to a funeral home for autopsy.
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bemidji Fire Department, Bemidji Ambulance Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Lakes Area Dive Team and civilian bystanders.
The man was identified on Tuesday as Matthew James Rayta, 23, of Maple Grove.
-
Plus: Bemidji is closer to being the next home of a YMCA after a ceremonial groundbreaking; and local governments receive assistance to replace emerald ash borer-damaged trees. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXENeighbors converge for fair fun: showing or judging livestock, enjoying classic or new foods on offer, admiring prize-winning artwork or baked goods or simply gathering in community. -
Canva illustrationThe driver of the semitruck is in custody as of Aug. 21, 2026, and is facing two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide. -
Plus: Changes to 'roadless rule' could open areas of Superior National Forest to logging; and researchers consider climate change's impacts on pathogen spread.
-
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionPublic health experts said states can better prepare for future illness outbreaks by keeping a sharp eye on climate change. -
Emma Krab/KAXEStauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe state reported the Glacier Ice House employee was one of several laid off during their disability leave. But while others were allowed to move to open positions, this employee was not. -
Contributed/NewRange Copper NickelThe Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application. -
Plus: The FBI launches a new "Voices Not Forgotten" initiative to raise awareness of cold cases in tribal nations.
-
Contributed/FBIThe new program increases monetary rewards for information on six cold cases involving Native people where the FBI has jurisdiction, including one from the Red Lake Nation.
