Authorities recover body of man who fell through the ice into Mississippi River

UPDATE 2/14:

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said that at 8 a.m. Saturday, their Water Patrol Unit resumed recovery operations on the Mississippi River near the University of Minnesota rowing club for a man who fell through the ice.

Using sonar, a body was located about 75 feet from where the man went through the ice in about nine feet of water, the sheriff’s office said.

At 11:45 a.m., the body was recovered using an Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle with a camera. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner will release the man’s identity at a later time.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this individual’s family and friends. This tragic incident is a stark example that the ice is never 100% safe. Please use [caution] when venturing on to lakes, rivers, and ponds, especially with our changing weather.”

KSTP’s initial story can be read below.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office says they will continue their search on Saturday during daylight for a man who reportedly fell into the Mississippi River Friday evening.

The sheriff’s office water patrol unit responded to a call around 4 p.m. for a man who was walking on the ice on the river and fell in near the University of Minnesota rowing club, which is off East River Parkway on the U of M East Bank campus.

A woman witnessed the man fall in and tried to go help, but also fell into the chilly waters. She was able to get out and back to shore. She was taken to the hospital as a precaution for cold-weather exposure.

The man was not found after a few hours of search before it turned dark on Friday, including efforts by the HCSO using sonar equipment.

The sheriff’s office says the search and recovery operation scheduled for Saturday morning is underway.

The post Authorities recover body of man who fell through the ice into Mississippi River first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.