Ranger Dies Trying To Rescue Stranded Boaters In Voyageurs National Park

A National Park Service law enforcement ranger died Sunday while trying to rescue a stranded family in Voyageurs National Park, according to St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay.

Ramsay told FOX 21 a father and his two kids were stranded on an island Sunday on Namakan Lake after their boat got stuck.

The ranger responded late Sunday morning to the call for assistance during high winds and six-foot waves.

Ramsay stated that the ranger’s boat capsized while returning after rescuing the family from the island.

The three family members were able to swim to safety, but the ranger was unaccounted for.

After a three-hour search, the ranger’s body was recovered from Namakan Lake around 3:20 p.m., according to park officials.

The incident is under investigation.

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

The ranger’s name was not immediately released.