Minn. Park Ranger Dies when Boat Capsizes During Rescue

Source Duluth News Tribune, Minn.

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, MN — A park ranger died Sunday while responding to a call from a distressed civilian boat on Namakan Lake in St. Louis County.

National Park Service law enforcement ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, died when his boat capsized, according to a news release from Voyageurs National Park. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters.

The three people being assisted fell into the water and swam to safety, but the ranger couldn't be found.

Grossheim's body was recovered from the lake at approximately 3:20 p.m. after a three-hour search.

The incident is under investigation.

"Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond," said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. "He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones."

Grossheim served at Voyageurs National Park for 23 years and volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department. He was a motorboat operator certification course instructor and experienced with navigating the lakes of the park, according to the National Park service.

The U.S. Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and Kabetogama Fire Department assisted in the search and recovery.

Just before the report of the missing park ranger, rescue resources were being coordinated at 11:03 a.m. for a capsized canoe on Big Shell Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a press release from the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said.

Two people capsized a canoe and were safe on land, however, they were soaking wet and without any gear. The Minnesota State Patrol and Minnesota Air Rescue Team were dispatched. When the Air Rescue Team arrived, they learned the two people were able to retrieve some gear and were headed back to their vehicles, so the rescue effort was canceled.

Details about memorial services for Grossheim are still being finalized. In recognition of his lifesaving act, National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset Oct. 9.

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