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DNR investigating drowning on Mississippi River

Ag/Outdoor, News

March 22nd, 2020 by Ric Hanson

GUTTENBERG, Iowa — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a drowning that happened at around 1:30-p.m. Saturday, near the spillway of Lock and Dam #10 on the Mississippi River.

Officials say two men were fishing in a 14-foot flat boat in a restricted area near the low-head dam of Lock and Dam #10 when their boat was caught in a turbulent area and began taking on water. 54-year old Shaun Oppenheimer, of Quasqueton, was a passenger in the boat who went overboard, and drowned. His body was recovered and taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Neither Oppenheimer nor the operator of the boat were wearing personal flotation devices, although the boat did have them on-board.

The Iowa DNR continues to investigate the incident.

Assisting in handling the scene and investigation, was the Guttenberg Fire and Rescue, Guttenberg Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County, Wisconsin Fire and Rescue, Glen Haven, Wisconsin Fire and Rescue, and nearby fishermen providing quick access with their boats