FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

GRAND RAPIDS - Fierce winds Monday night claimed the life of a 49-year-old boater in Itasca County.

Roy Flug from Goodland was pulled from Swan Lake at approximately 8:27 a.m.

Authorities said he and a friend were out on a boat when high winds capsized it under the Highway 65 Bridge after 8:00 p.m. Monday.

The friend was able to make it to shore, but Flug was pulled out by the winds and strong current.

County search and rescue and the DNR looked for him until dark.

However, it was not until after sunrise Tuesday morning when the search resumed and his body was recovered.

Boaters said Flug was a frequent visitor to the lake and always in a friendly mood.

"I just saw him fishing off the bench over there and he was a nice guy, his parents are wonderful, my heart is going out to them right now," said Rochelle Badavinac, who boats on Swan Lake.

Flug was not wearing a life jacket.