Wayzata Teen's Body Pulled From River After Fall Into Gorge
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Cook County officials say a body has been recovered after a Wayzata teenager fell into a gorge Saturday evening.
According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, just after 6:30 p.m. Saturday dispatch received a report that a person had fallen into the gorge at Temperance River State Park.
Upon arrival, crews learned that 18-year-old Alec Paul Bertil Lawrenz, of Wayzata, went through a strong current under a bridge and had not resurfaced.
Due to the river's strong current, limited visibility and debris in the water, crews were unable to begin search efforts to recover Lawrence. The sheriff's office said rising water levels have continued to impede rescue efforts.
Using an underwater rover, however, the St. Louis County Rescue Squad was able to locate Lawrenz's body at roughly 1:19 p.m. His body was pulled from the river at 1:42 p.m.
His body was then taken to the Cook County North Shore Hospital.
The incident is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.
Benilde-St. Margaret's School Principal Sue Skinner released a statement Monday, confirming Lawrenz was a student there.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share some very sad news. Alec Lawrenz, class of 2016, drowned this past weekend on a camping trip up north. He was a wonderful young man, full of life, kind and compassionate. We are incredibly saddened by this tragic accident, and as a faith community, we rely on the power of prayer to help us. Our love and prayers go out to Alec's family, the class of 2016 and the entire BSM community.
"Alec, you will always be a Red Knight, and we wish you eternal peace. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8, the statement reads.
