Overview
- The most recent death, which occurred Saturday, involved a 29-year-old man who was swimming about 75 feet from shore at Little Emily Lake Park and died despite first responders administering medical aid.
- On May 12, 19-year-old Cameron Walker, a University of Minnesota Morris student, called 911 after a paddle boat capsized and was later found dead about 23 feet underwater by searchers.
- Crow Wing County officials and Emily Fire & Rescue say unseasonably cold lake temperatures can quickly sap strength and cause hypothermia, making rescues harder and shortening survival time after immersion.
- Sheriff Eric Klang has pointed to previous May incidents where people never resurfaced after jumping into cold water, and the Minnesota DNR says statewide drownings fell to 17 in 2025 amid stronger life-jacket campaigns.
- A GoFundMe for Walker’s family has been set up, local authorities are continuing routine investigations, and officials are renewing public safety warnings and urging life-jacket use as the swimming season begins.