UPDATE: Park ranger who died during a rescue in Voyageurs National Park identified

Authorities have identified the name of the National Park Service Ranger who died Sunday in the Line of Duty in Voyageurs National Park. According to Park Officials, 55-year-old Kevin Grossheim of Kabetogama died on Sunday, October 6, on Namakan Lake. 

In a release, Kate Severson, of Voyageurs National Park wrote Grossheim “was a dedicated law enforcement officer, emergency services volunteer, member of the community, and beloved husband and friend.”

Officials say Ranger Grossheim responded Sunday morning to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters.

The three people were able to reach the shore, but Ranger Grossheim was missing. His body was recovered later Sunday afternoon following a roughly three-hour long search. 

“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said in the release. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”  

Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years.  He volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department in addition to his work at the park. He was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the local lakes of the park.  

Ranger Grossheim began his career as a seasonal ranger at Boston National Historical Park in 1993, and worked seasonally at Curecanti National Recreation Area. In 1995, Grossheim became a permanent park ranger, serving first at Boston National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before beginning his 23-year tenure as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger at Voyageurs. 

Memorial services for Ranger Grossheim are still being finalized.

The accident remains under investigation by the National Park Service.

Original Story: On Sunday, St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay had confirmed that a park ranger died in the line of duty during a rescue attempt on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park on October 6.

According to a representative with Voyageurs National Park, the law enforcement ranger responded to a call for assistance from a distressed civilian vessel on Namakan Lake late that morning.

“While towing the distressed vessel, the NPS boat capsized, forcing the ranger and the three individuals being assisted into the water,” said Program Manager for Interpretation, Outreach, and Partnerships Kate Severson. “The three members of the public were able to swim to safety, but the ranger was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, the ranger’s body was recovered from Namakan Lake at approximately 3:20 p.m.”

Severson also said high winds and rough waters were reported at the time and that the incident is under investigation.

The United States Border Patrol, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, and Kabetogama Fire Department assisted in the search and recovery.

“Our hearts go out to our fellow law enforcement officers,” said Sheriff Ramsay in a statement to WDIO.

On Monday, Representative Roger Skraba sent a statement as well. “Yesterday’s tragedy is a sad reminder of the risks and danger faced by the brave men and women who serve us all as park rangers,” said Skraba. “My heart breaks for the brave park ranger and their family. They will continue to be in my prayers as they process this unimaginable tragedy.”