Sheriff: Man Drowns After Jumping In Lake To Save His Dog

(KNSI) – It was a deadly weekend on Minnesota waters.

Officials say a 48-year-old man died after jumping into Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids around 1:15 on Saturday afternoon. The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office says Eric Fife was boating with friends when his dog jumped off the boat. Investigators say Fife went in after the dog and started struggling to stay above water.

Deputies say a friend jumped into the lake and pulled Fife and his dog to safety. CPR was started on Fife and continued until first responders arrived. CPR was continued, but officials say Fife died at the scene. The incident remains under investigation.

On Sunday, 49-year-old Loren Michael Hinch of Merrifield died after drowning in Pelican Lake near Pequot Lakes.

Also, two people drowned on the Minnesota River in Renville County on Sunday. The sheriff’s office says around 3:00 p.m., a 911 call came in saying they found a body tangled in a log jam. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources pulled the body of an adult male from the water. The man wasn’t immediately identified.

Less than three hours later, another 911 call came in for a person drowning several miles upstream near Vicksburg County Park. A young adult male was found around 7:40. His name is being withheld pending family notification.

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