Man Found Dead Next to Overturned Canoe on Minnesota Lake

Chisholm, MN (MinnesotaNow)- Authorities reported recovering a body near an overturned canoe on a northern Minnesota lake Tuesday afternoon.

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The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to the incident shortly after 3:30 p.m.

Family of the deceased person were also at the scene, a news release issued Tuesday night says.

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76-Year-Old Minnesota Man Found Dead Next to Canoe On Shannon Lake Near Chisholm

The report regarding the overturned watercraft and body came from Shannon Lake, which is about seven miles northwest of Chisholm.

Authorities identified the body as 76-year-old Louis Vajdl. The news release says the Chisholm man was not wearing a life jacket when first responders found his body floating near the canoe.

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Vajdl’s family told law enforcement he had paddled out onto the water to check on wild rice, an activity he has done many times.

Authorities are investigating Vajdl’s death, however criminal activity is not suspected, the news release says. Investigators have ordered an autopsy from the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office.

“The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office would like to remind citizens to practice safe boating habits, as the end of summer approaches and water temperatures start to cool,” the news release says.