RedactedNarrative: On 5/18/17, at approximately 2:45 pm, a witness observed two male subjects walk down to the Flambeau River on the east side of the Ladysmith Hydroelectric Dam.  The two subjects returned with a 16’ fiberglass canoe.  The Operator and Passenger launched the canoe and began paddling upstream towards the non-gate side of the dam.  Neither subject was observed wearing a personal floatation device.  Water levels were extremely high with dam gates being fully open causing very turbulent water and very swift current.  
  
  While the Operator and passenger were trying to paddle upstream, the fast current caused them to be pulled downstream and they were sucked into the turbulent water below the eastern most dam gates, causing the canoe to roll and capsize.  The Operator and Passenger were observed for a very short time struggling in the water and then they went under water and were not observed again.  
  
  The body of the Operator was recovered approximately one mile downstream on 5/24/17.  Cause of death was determined to be drowning.  Initial blood and drug testing showed the Operator testing positive for methamphetamine and alcohol.  Final results are pending.  The body of the Passenger was recovered approximately 7 miles downstream on 5/29/17.  Cause of death was determined to be drowning.  Initial blood and drug testing showed the Passenger testing positive for methamphetamine, tetrahydrocannabinol, and alcohol.  Final results are pending.
  