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.
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