Sheriff: Body Pulled From Minnesota River In Shakopee
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The body of a missing Shakopee man was pulled Friday from the frozen waters of the Minnesota River.
Eric Michael Linquist, 37, was last seen Wednesday, walking toward his favorite fishing spot along the river. For two days, rescue crews braved the elements searching for Lindquist. He was found in 9 feet of water Friday afternoon.
Bruce Linidquist says his son was a true outdoorsman, who loved to fish along the Minnesota River.
He says his son left home Wednesday night, with an auger, heading to his favorite fishing spot. Linidquist says he thought nothing of his son leaving that night, until his son didn't return home.
Rescue crews from Scott and Carver counties searched feverishly looking for any sign of Eric Lindquist. It wasn't until daybreak that they were able to use robots to search the river's bottom, where they eventually discovered his body.
"This day is the worst day of my life," said Bruce Lindquist.
Bruce Lindquist went to the area in the river's bottom near Memorial Park.
"An area of the river where a bunch of people fish," Lindquist said.
He thought he needed to see the spot on the river that claimed his son's life.
"I decided no, I don't want to," Lindquist said. "I just want to have the memories of the past, and that will help me through."
Scott County Sheriff Kevin Studnicka says it's believed Lindquist walked out on the ice and it gave way.
"We are not sure he even began ice fishing," he said.
Robots found his body 30 feet from a hole where it's believe he fell through.
Studnicka says the Minnesota River runs fast and with all its twist and turns it's hard to tell where the ice is safe.
"It's the Minnesota River, so you run into some areas where it's 10 inches and some areas where it's two inches (thick)," Studnicka said.
This tragedy is a reminder of the dangers of river ice fishing, even for experienced outdoorsmen.
His father says his family and friends will help him get through this tragedy.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office ruled Lindquist's death an accident.
