New Release

A 71 year old Barnes man died on Red Lake in the town of Wascott on Friday evening July 12, 2024. Authorities were called to the scene in the area of 10428E Red Lake Drive at 7:22pm.

The victim, identified as Michael Andersen of Barnes, WI, had been out on Red Lake with his fishing partner, a 92 year old Hayward man, for about three hours when the man heard the victim yell from the front of the boat and fall into the water.  The wind was blowing the boat away from the victim and by the time the man was able to get the boat back to the victim, he was face down and unconscious.  The man was unable to get the victim back into the boat, but held onto him as he yelled for help.

Persons on the shore heard the yelling and responded to assist.  They were able to get Andersen onto their pontoon boat where CPR was initiated, which continued until arrival of first responders who took over.  Andersen was unable to be revived.  Circumstances indicate Andersen may have suffered a medical event causing his fall off the boat.  The matter remains under investigation.

Responding to the scene along with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office was Gordon-Wascott EMS and VFD's, Gordon Public Safety Officer, WI DNR, Mayo Ambulance, and Douglas County Medical Examiners Office.