Second Missing Canoeist’s Body Recovered In Wascott
The two men in their 20s were from New Ulm, Minnesota.
(Nov. 15) — Searchers from the St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office located and recovered the body of 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, according to a release from Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard.
DeRock had been missing since Oct. 28 after a canoeing incident on the Minong Flowage in Douglas County. Ryan Busch, who was also missing in this incident, was located on Nov. 8. Both are from New Ulm, Minnesota.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident were clear and calm. “Obstacles such as weather, cold water temperatures, submerged stumps and natural foliage in the search area hindered search efforts,” according to authorities.
“Land, water and air searches were conducted over the 18 days by multiple agencies to include St. Louis County Rescue Squad, WI DNR, Sawyer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Superior Dive Team, Wascott, Gordon and Minong Fire Departments, Newbold Fire (Vilas County) K9 teams and Sarah Garfunkel with KERT – K9 Emergency Response Team,” according to Izzard.
In a previous news release, the Doulgas County Sheriff’s Office said alcohol was not a factor.
(Nov. 9) — Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard says a body has been recovered in the search for two canoeists who went missing in Wisconsin’s Minong Flowage the end of October.
Sheriff Izzard says Wednesday evening searchers recovered the body of 26-year-old Ryan J. Busch of New Ulm, Minnesota.
Search efforts continue for 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, also of New Ulm.
ORIGINAL POST:
WASCOTT, Wisconsin. — Two canoeists missing in Wisconsin’s Minong Flowage for almost a week have been identified as men from New Ulm, Minnesota.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the men are 26-year-old Ryan J. Busch, and 27-year-old Andrew T. DeRock.
The two men were last seen Saturday and are still missing.
The department says their efforts are now considered a recovery mission.
Family called 911 when the men’s capsized canoe was found.
The department said the search has been hindered by the weather, cold water, and foliage in the search area.
The Sheriff’s office said neither alcohol nor the weather were factors the night the men were last seen. The weather was clear and calm, and there was a full moon.
In addition to law enforcement agencies, a private search organization was also contacted by the family and helped with the efforts, according to the Sheriff’s office.
The Sheriff’s office says efforts to find the men will continue.
The press release said, “The parents of Ryan and Andrew would like to take the opportunity to thank the Wascott community and their family and friends for the overwhelming support they have received during this time.”
