Madison, WI – A 33-year-old man who was reported missing Monday evening at Lake Mendota was found dead Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.
According to the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, the man was first reported missing around 5:40 p.m. Monday near Warner Bay. Sheriff’s deputies, along with Madison Fire, Madison Police, and UW Lake Rescue, searched the area until 8 p.m. but were unable to locate him.
Recovery efforts resumed early Tuesday morning. Dive teams, sonar equipment, and an underwater drone were used to search in about 30 feet of water. The Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the recovery of the man’s body just before 1 p.m.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of this young man,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. “Losing a loved one in such a sudden and tragic way is heartbreaking.”
Authorities have not released the man’s name, pending notification of relatives.
Lake Mendota, a popular recreational area in Madison, has seen multiple search and rescue operations in recent years, particularly during peak boating and swimming months. Officials reminded the public to take safety precautions when near or on the water.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct further examinations to determine the official cause of death.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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