Authorities say a search on the Minnesota River ended in tragedy Friday morning, when crews recovered the body of a swimmer who had gone missing near Highway 41 in Chaska. The discovery came roughly a day after witnesses reported seeing the person go under near the Winkel Park boat ramp and not resurface.
The body was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for formal identification and an autopsy. Officials said the person’s name will be released once relatives have been notified, a step that often takes time as investigators work to reach next of kin.
According to the Star Tribune, search crews located the body shortly after 10:30 a.m. on May 15 near the Hwy. 41 bridge. The outlet reports that the initial 911 call came in just before 5 p.m. on May 14, when witnesses said a man entered the water to swim and then disappeared beneath the surface.
In a post on the Carver County Sheriff’s Office page, officials said the recovery involved the agency’s dive team along with several partner departments. The office confirmed that the body was transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and noted that investigators are still working to piece together what led up to the death.
How Crews Searched the River
Search teams threw just about every tool they had at the river. According to KSTP, crews used drones, an underwater remote-operated vehicle, sonar-equipped boats and a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, while also running land searches along both banks.
Officials said they adjusted operations as river conditions and weather shifted, keeping safety at the top of the list for both dive and boat teams working in the often unpredictable current.
Investigation and Public Guidance
The sheriff’s office and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office are continuing to investigate and will release the victim’s name once family notifications are complete, according to the Carver County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information that might help the case is asked to contact the Carver County Sheriff’s Office at 952-361-1212.
For any police, fire or medical emergencies on or near the river, the public is urged to call 9-1-1.
