Body Of Xcel Worker Missing In River Found

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The body of a missing Xcel Energy worker was found Friday, three days after he disappeared into the Minnesota River.

Tom Stich, 50, of Harris, Minn., was recovered around 11:45 a.m. while rescuers worked through debris in the dam.

Stich was working on Xcel Energy's Minnesota Dam on the river Wednesday near Granite Falls.

Around 1 p.m. that day, Xcel Energy said Stich's co-worker turned to find Stich gone, presumably over the dam into the rapid water churning below.

Stich was one of 11 siblings, according to his younger brother John Stich, of Burnsville. Family members said Tom Stich also had a 25-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter, as well as two grandchildren.

The Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota DNR, State Patrol and Granite Falls Fire Department worked together to recover his body. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office also assisted at the scene with sonar equipment.

The family said that despite the sad outcome they are happy they found him and have closure.

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