Authorities Urge Boaters Wear Lifejackets After Canoeist Dies In BWCA

A 62-year-old Duluth man died Friday while canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the body of Mark Ham was located partly submerged in Lake Agnes, which is about 25 miles north of Ely.

The call for help came in around 5 p.m. Friday.

Authorities said Ham was on a solo camping trip.

“A life jacket was located on scene but was not worn by the victim. With the opening of the Minnesota fishing season this weekend, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Rescue Squad would like to remind everyone to please wear their lifejackets while out on the water enjoying their favorite water recreations this summer,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.