On 04/09/2011 at approximately 1430 hrs, Conservation Officer was notified of a fatal boat incident on the Des Moines River, near the Cottonwood Recreation Area.  There were no witnesses to the incident.  A witness did see a man struggling in the water, and then go under.  A fishing was found floating in the river downstream from the Cottonwood Recreation Area, near the Sycamore boat ramp.  The boat contained fishing rods, lights, bait, anchor, and a life jacket.  A tackle box containing a fishing license registered to victim was found floating in the water near the boat.  A tennis shoe was also found floating near the boat.  It is unknown what caused Victim to leave the boat or what he was doing to cause him to leave the boat.  The boat did not capsize and the motor was not running when the boat was recovered.  The Des Moines Wet Team started a recovery effort.  A sweat shirt was recovered that family members confirmed belonged to victim.  To date Victim's body has not been recovered.

Statement from individual:  Subject witnesses a man in the Des Moines River near the bank, on the south end of the Cottonwood Recreation Area.  The man was seen struggling in the water, going under and not resurfacing.  The witness did say that the man must have capsized his boat, but that was an incorrect statement.  The boat was recovered near the Sycamore Access boat ramp, upright with fishing poles, lights, bait, life jacket, and the other equipment still in the boat.

Johnston                      