IRON LAKE, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed to aid in the search for two missing canoeists in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), authorized by Governor Walz. The search has intensified after nearly a week of efforts to locate the individuals who went missing in this remote wilderness area.

Discovery of One Canoeist’s Body

After extensive search operations spanning two weeks, the body of one of the missing canoeists, identified as Jesse Haugen, 41, from Cambridge, was discovered near Curtain Falls in the BWCA. Curtain Falls, a remote location along the U.S.-Canada border, has been the focal point of search efforts since Haugen and his companion went missing.

Ongoing Search Efforts

Despite the discovery of Haugen’s body, Reis Grams, 40, of Lino Lakes, remains missing. Search operations, involving multiple law enforcement agencies and now the Minnesota National Guard, are set to continue into the upcoming week. However, flight operations in and out of the area are unavailable until Monday, posing challenges to the search efforts.

Challenges and Methods in the Search

Weather and water conditions, exacerbated by anticipated rainfall over the weekend, present significant obstacles to the search mission. Law enforcement agencies are deploying various resources, including ground teams, zodiac boats, canoes, drones, K-9 units, and aerial reconnaissance to cover the vast and rugged terrain of the BWCA.

Rescue of Surviving Members

Amid the tragedy, three other members of the group have been rescued. Kyle Sellers, 47, of Ham Lake, was transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Erik Grams, 43, of Ham Lake, and Jared Lohse, 33, of Cambridge, were airlifted out of the wilderness area.

Incident Details

The emergency unfolded on May 18, triggering 911 calls reporting a water emergency around 7:21 p.m. The incident occurred when two canoes encountered trouble navigating Curtain Falls, a powerful cascade that empties from Crooked Lake into Iron Lake.

Conclusion:

As the search for Reis Grams continues and the BWCA community grapples with this tragedy, the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, emergency responders, and the National Guard underscore the dedication to finding answers and providing support in times of crisis.

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