A man drowned in the Mississippi River Friday afternoon near the University of Minnesota’s East Bank campus after falling through thin ice, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said. On Saturday, officials said they recovered the body using sonar equipment.
HSCO did not release the name of the man.
A water patrol unit began recovery efforts on Friday evening but was initially unsuccessful, according to a statement released by HCSO officials.
In a statement, HCSO officials warned people to exercise caution when venturing onto the ice.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to this individual’s family and friends,” the statement read. “This tragic incident is a stark example that the ice is never 100% safe. Please use caution when venturing on to lakes, rivers, and ponds, especially with our changing weather.”
HCSO said a woman attempted to rescue the man, but also fell through the ice. She was later transported to the hospital after making her way back to shore.
Minneapolis experienced unseasonably warm weather over the weekend, with temperatures reaching 50 degrees on Friday. With warmer temperatures persisting through Wednesday, the risk of ice-related accidents remains high.














