Minneapolis man dies after being pulled from St. Croix River
AFTON, Minn. — A Minneapolis man has died after being pulled from the St. Croix River east of the Twin Cities Wednesday, according to officials.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office says deputies were dispatched at 9:41 a.m. to Afton State Park Beach for a possible drowning near the campgrounds. Witnesses at the beach said a 27-year-old man was swimming 20 to 30 feet offshore in about 12 feet of water when they lost sight of him.
Search teams, including Washington County Water Rescue Dive and Recovery and the Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department, responded to the scene.
The man was found by the fire department in about 18 feet of water, according to officials. He was taken to Regions Hospital, where he later died.
The man's identity is being withheld pending the investigation completion and family notification.
"It's really sad to see someone lose their life like that," said Leland Dunn, who was visiting the park from Anoka. "It's kind of a painful reminder to let you know the power of the water and mother nature."
With the swollen St. Croix River swallowing park benches, stairs and shoreline, Dunn said swimming just isn't worth it right now.
The river is at about 87 feet, which is at flood stage.
"We saw a swimming area sign, but there's no signage about how flooded it is," said Mike Mills.
Mills and Zelda Crist are visiting from Minneapolis. The two said additional signs warning of flooded waters should be placed at the beach.
"You can very quickly find yourself in deep water and closer to the current and you don't have any time to react when that happens," said Crist.
"At least a sign saying area flooded warnings or anything like that would be better than nothing and better than what it is," said Mills.
With more people hitting the water this holiday weekend, Dunn said he hopes people take the necessary precautions.
"If people are out here, just stay safe and pay attention to your surroundings, because number one, if you're out here with family and little kids and stuff like that, keep an eye on everybody," said Dunn.