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St. Louis County Sheriff's Office News Release

Incident Date: April 4, 2017

Incident Time: 3:04 PM

Incident Location: Lake Kabetogama, Voyageur National Park, Unorganized Township 69-20

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INDIVIDUAL(S) INVOLVED: (Refer to News Media Policy-Rules III A. I Thru 4: Procedures B.1, A thru J & 1; 2b; 3b; g & h; 4a, b, & c)

Name: Jay W. Podpeskar

Name: Robert S. Crowe

Name:

Age: 36

Age: 30

Age:

Address: Britt, MN

Address: Chisholm, MN

Address:

Incident Summary: On April 4, 2017, at approximately 3:04 PM, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to Lake Kabetogama regarding a water emergency involving an ATV that had gone through the ice North of the Ash River Visitor Center in Voyageur National Park and North of Sullivan narrows. The International Falls Ambulance Service, Kabetogama Fire and First Responders, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Voyageur National Park Service, Kooch County Rescue Services, and Vermilion Lake Fire Brigade also responded.  Podpeskar and Crowe had been fishing on Lake Kabetogama during the day and were heading back to the Ash River Visitor Center when the incident occurred.  Podpeskar was operating the ATV and Crowe was being pulled in a sled behind the ATV trying to displace their weight on the ice when the ice gave way and they entered the water. Podpeskar was able to get himself out of the water and then used a rope to pull Crowe out of the water.  Voyageur Park Service employees were working nearby and witnessed the incident.  They quickly fastened two canoes together and utilized them to rescue Podpeskar and Crowe from the lake.  Crowe was transported by the International Falls Ambulance to the International Falls hospital for treatment and observation.  Podpeskar was not injured in the incident. The incident was investigated by the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office and Voyageur Park Service.  Recovery efforts for the ATV will occur once the ice goes out.  This is the second ice related accident to occur within the past two days in Northern St. Louis County.  The Sheriff's Office urges citizens and outdoor enthusiasts to STAY OFF the lakes due to unsafe ice conditions.  The ice conditions have deteriorated rapidly due to the warmer weather in the area.

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Assisting Agencies: International Falls Ambulance Service, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Kabetogama Fire and First Responders, Voyageur Park Service, Kooch County Rescue Services, and Vermilion Lake Fire Brigade.

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Authority:   Sgt. Robert Tarr                  Date: April 4, 2017              Time: 8:00 PM

Additional Information or Update:

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