Park ranger dies after boat capsizes during rescue operation in Voyageurs National Park

A park ranger died in the line of duty during a rescue attempt at Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park on Sunday, according to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay.

According to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS' sister station WDIO, a representative from Voyageurs National Park said the law enforcement ranger responded to a call for help from a civilian vessel in distress on Lake Namakan late Sunday morning.

“While towing the stricken vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and three people assisting into the water,” said Kate Severson, program manager for interpretation, outreach and partnerships. “The three spectators managed to swim to safety, but the ranger was missing. After a three-hour search, the ranger’s body was recovered from Namakan Lake at around 3:20 p.m.”

Severson also said high winds and rough water were reported at the time and that the incident was under investigation.

The United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and Kabetogama Fire Department assisted in the search and recovery.

“Our thoughts are with our law enforcement colleagues,” Sheriff Ramsay said in a statement to WDIO.

The Ranger's name is being withheld from the public until all proper notifications are received.