Park Ranger Dies Rescuing a Household of Three in Voyageurs Nationwide Park

A park ranger died attempting to rescue three folks in Voyageurs Nationwide Park in Minnesota on Sunday, Oct. 6, in response to the Nationwide Park Service.

On Monday, Oc.t. 7, the NPS recognized the ranger as Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minn.

Grossheim died after he responded to a “misery name” by a household of three on Birch Cove Island, a campsite within the Minnesota nationwide park, late Sunday morning.

When he reached the household, Grossheim helped them get onto his NPS boat.

The vessel “overturned amid excessive winds and tough waters” on Namakan Lake, the NPS mentioned. The three relations swam to security, however Grossheim was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, his physique was discovered round 3:20 p.m.

Grossheim was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) teacher and skilled boat operator acquainted with the Voyageurs Nationwide Park’s native lakes, the NPS mentioned. The NPS is investigating his dying. 

“Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the group and served at Voyageurs Nationwide Park for greater than 20 years,” park officers mentioned in a launch.

Grossheim started his tenure as a seasonal ranger at Boston Nationwide Historic Park in 1993, per the NPS. Two years later, he turned a everlasting park ranger at Boston Nationwide Historic Park and later Indiana Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore. He labored at Voyageurs Nationwide Park for 23 years as a commissioned legislation enforcement park ranger and in addition volunteered with the Kabetogama Hearth Division. 

“Kevin was a lot cherished by all and at all times identified to go above and past,” Voyageurs Nationwide Park Superintendent Bob DeGross mentioned in a press release. “He will likely be vastly missed. Our hearts exit to his spouse and their family members.” 

Gov. Tim Walz issued a assertion on Monday and ordered flags to fly at half-staff in any respect state buildings in honor of Grossheim.

“Kevin Grossheim was a devoted ranger and public servant, identified for his unwavering dedication to serving to others,” learn Walz’s assertion. “Minnesota mourns this tragic loss, and requests all flags be lowered in recognition of Ranger Grossheim’s service and sacrifice.”

Nationwide Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands additionally ordered the American flag lowered at nationwide parks by way of sundown on October 9, per the NPS information launch.

“Completely devastating to listen to concerning the lack of our Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim of Kabetogama,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar mentioned in a press release on Fb Monday. “His bravery is not going to be forgotten and my ideas are with everybody concerned and their family members.”

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A consultant for the Nationwide Park Service didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for extra info on Monday.