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The Cook County Sheriff ’s Office 911 Dispatch was notified at 6:44 p.m. on June 21, 2023, that fishermen on Gillis Lake had overturned their canoe and one of the canoeists who wasn’t wearing a PFD had never resurfaced.
On Friday, June 23, the body of Lester Jay Hochstetler, 18, of Clear Lake, Wisconsin, was recovered from Gillis Lake where he had been canoeing with three other men. Assisting the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office was Cook County Search and Rescue, St. Louis County Search and Rescue, USFS, and Gunflint First Responders.
During the initial search, Cook County Sheriff ’s Office Deputies, Cook County Search & Rescue, Gunflint Volunteer Fire Department, United States Forest Service (USFS) Law Enforcement and a USFS Beaver float plane responded to the staging area at Tuscarora Lodge to begin search and rescue operations.
“Our hearts are with the survivors and the deceased’s family. I also commend all of our emergency services who responded to this incident with swift actions and professionalism,” said Sheriff Pat Eliasen.
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