Families of Missing Canoeists Supported by Community

DULUTH, Minn – Friends and loved ones are rallying around the families of the two men who went missing earlier this week in an annual fishing trip that went terribly wrong.

Laura Grams is married to the brother of missing canoeist Reis Grams. She says the brothers always plan an annual opener trip. This year they chose the Curtain Falls area in the boundary waters. This is coincidentally the same spot where Laura and her husband became officially engaged. Different friends have been invited each time. Last week, Jesse Haugen and some friends joined them.

A canoe tipped and others in the group tried to help. In a tragic domino effect, eventually all were submerged in the water. Two men, Reis and Jesse, did not resurface.
Both are small business owners. Both are married fathers with young children. Because of this, Laura felt compelled to start a GoFundMe page.

“There was such an outpouring of support and people wanted to help. It’s a way to support the families going through this time when they are paralyzed,” she said.

There has been a groundswell of financial and emotional help for the families. And during this time of uncertainty, she says their faith has provided that essential undergirding to get through unimaginable times like these.

“They are staying hopeful. I think they are very faithful families. They believe in the Lord. They are praying. They’ve got a great community of people supporting them. So they are still very hopeful that they will come home.”

Over 20,000 dollars in donations have been received so far…and will be split between the two families. To contribute go to the GoFundMe page, and search Support for the 2 missing canoeists in Tragic Times. You can also click on the link below.

Fundraiser by Laura Grams : Support for the 2 missing canoeists in Tragic Times (gofundme.com)