Sheriff: Man, 43, Drowns In Lake Harriet
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Water rescue crews are looking for a man they say probably drowned in Lake Harriet Sunday night.
Hennepin County Water Rescue crews came out to search at about 6:30 p.m. when witnesses say a 43-year-old man went under. He was last seen near the dock of the designated swimming area.
Authorities say the man had just started swimming with family members while there was a break in the rain. They say he was not a strong swimmer.
"It's deep water, he went down and apparently he wasn't a strong enough swimmer," Minneapolis Fire Battalion Chief Jeremy Morton said. "He went down and the family was right there, it happened like that. He was in distress and went under in deep water. It's just a real shame."
We spoke to a passerby who grabbed his goggles to try and help find the man before rescue crews arrived.
"I went out and did what I could to see if I could help find whoever they're looking for," Jason Sullivan said. "I just put my goggles on and did what I could to see under water. I went to the shallow areas and was up to my chin mostly in water. Hopefully a miracle happens here."
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office said as of about 9:45 p.m., the search for the missing swimmer continued and was ongoing. It was stopped for a short time due to lightning in the area. They say there is a 15 foot drop outside the 8 foot swimming area. That is likely where they will next search for the man.
