Chisholm, MN – A 76-year-old Chisholm man was found dead Tuesday afternoon on Shannon Lake after his canoe was discovered overturned, authorities said.
According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a call at 3:34 p.m. reporting the canoe with a deceased person nearby about seven miles northwest of Chisholm. Responders from the Chisholm ambulance service, French Township First Responders, the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad arrived at the scene. Family members were also present.
The victim, identified as Louis Vajdl, was located floating near his canoe without a life jacket. Deputies said Vajdl had told relatives earlier that morning he planned to check the wild rice in the lake, an activity he had done for many years.
The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation, pending results from the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities said criminal activity is not suspected in the death.
Officials are using the incident as a reminder for the public to follow safe boating practices, particularly as summer ends and cooler water temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
