Curtain Falls is a steep, 20’ high cascade between Iron Lake and Crooked Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota. Four people in two canoes were fishing above the drop when one broached and capsized in the current. The second canoe moved in to assist, and all were washed over the falls. Jesse Haugen, 41, and Reis Grams, 40, drowned; another paddler sustained serious injuries. Since the BWCA is mostly flat water lakes many who paddle there aren't prepared for fast water. Life vests were not in use; the 'rescue boat' was recovered with PFD's strapped to the boat!
Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office searching for missing kayaker
By Austin Ellis
May 20, 2024
WINNESHIEK COUNTY, Iowa (KWWL) -- The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office and have launched an investigation into a missing kayaker last seen on Saturday. The man launched on the Upper Iowa River on Saturday afternoon. Officials say that a 39-year-old male kayaker was reported missing on Sunday afternoon.
The kayaker was alone when he launched into the Upper Iowa River around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. His last known location was on the river near the Freeport area around 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Shortly after the investigation was launched, a capsized kayak was found below the Upper Dam of the river. His belongings were also found at the scene.
The Sheriff's Office and Decorah Fire Department launched an extensive search that included the use of a jet boat, sonar and drone technology. The kayaker has yet to be found.
Those that have information are asked to contact the Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office.
Missing Iowa kayaker found dead in Winneshiek County
KCCI Des MoinesUpdated: 9:58 AM CDT May 28, 2024
DECORAH, Iowa (KCRG) — The body of a missing 39-year-old kayaker, Justin Limkemann, has been recovered in Winneshiek County, the sheriff’s office said, according to KCRG.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources said they saw what they believed was a body in the Upper Iowa River near Lundy Bridge in Winneshiek County just before 2:30 p.m. on Monday.
The Decorah Fire Department was able to confirm the sighting and recover the body of the missing kayaker a short time later.
Limkemann, of Frederika, Iowa, had been missing since May 18.
Investigators said he was alone when he launched onto the Upper Iowa River. After he was reported missing, searchers found his capsized kayak in the middle of the river, just below the Upper Dam, along with several other items belonging to him.
