June 16, 2021 – Fond du Lac, WI – Crews have completed their search of the Fond du Lac River. Sonar images from the ROV identified several items of interest, all of which were examined further and visually confirmed to be debris.
No human body or body parts were located, and the Fond du Lac Police Department is closing its investigation.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt
Date: June 16, 2021
Incident: Fond du Lac River Search Authroity: Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On June 15, 2021, Fond du Lac Police, Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue, and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office personnel worked together on an investigation into a citizen report of a possible human body part visible in the Fond du Lac River south of Johnson St. in the City of Fond du Lac (original media release from FDLFR included below). This morning the police department, sheriff’s office, and Wisconsin DNR are coordinating an additional search of the river in this area. The DNR will be utilizing a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) with sonar capabilities, and sheriff’s office divers will be deployed into the river to investigate or recover any items of interest that are located. Additional information regarding the findings of the search will be released upon completion of the mission.
Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt
MEDIA RELEASE
June 15, 2021
For Immediate Release Contact:
Fire Chief Peter O’Leary 920-322-3802 Poelary@fdl.wi.gov
Fire Rescue and Police Respond To Report Of Person In River
Fond du Lac, WI: On Tuesday June 15, 2021 at 7:08 p.m. FDLFR and FDLPD responded to a report of a citizen report of a body part visible in the Fond du Lac River in the area of North Lincoln St. South of Johnson St. A citizen was using a large magnet to clean debris from the river when they believed to have seen a human hand in the water.
Rescue crews conducted a limited search of the area with negative results. FDL County Sheriff representative was also on scene and it was determined it would be better to conduct any further search at daybreak. The DNR will be consulted for possible use of specialized sonar equipment. Law Enforcement will be handling any subsequent searches.
Peter O’Leary
Fire Chief
815 S. Main St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935