The body of missing pilot located in the waters near Hovland

The body of Denny Pechacek has been located. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that a helmet had washed up on the beach near 3568 East Highway 61. Authorities say the helmet was confirmed to be that of the pilot, so search efforts were concentrated on the water and on the beach areas.

The search efforts then focused on Lake Superior and the beach area. Authorities says Tom Crossmon of Crossmon Consulting deployed a side-scan sonar unit and was able to locate the body after approximately three hours.

“This is not the outcome that we wanted, and our thoughts and prayers go to Denny’s family and friends. We are so very fortunate that we live in a community where people will drop what they’re doing and rally to assist those in need,” stated Sheriff Pat Eliasen in a press release.

Denny’s body was recovered from Lake Superior off the shore of Hovland, and his family was notified. An extensive search was underway after Denny was reported missing while flying his ultralight craft on Friday, August 18.

RELATED STORY: Search for missing pilot and aircraft in Cook County

Assisting in the search were Cook County Search and Rescue, Hovland Fire Department, Colvill Fire Department, U.S. Air Force Search and Rescue, Civil Air Patrol, Customs and Border Protection U.S. Border Patrol, Federal Aviation Administration, Lake County Rescue, Minnesota State Patrol, Northstar Search and Rescue, U.S. Coast Guard, and many civilian volunteers.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office says the body will be transported to Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office and no further details are available at this time.