The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has reported the drowning of an 83-year-old man near Lake Nokomis in the Town of Bradley. The man, Leroy Rupnow, was reported missing after family members were unable to reach him for over 24 hours. Search crews, including a K9 unit, searched the area but were unable to find a body. A “Silver Alert” was issued, and deputies with the help of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office drone team located Rupnow’s body about 30 yards offshore from his home. No foul play is suspected, and the incident is under investigation. https://www.wsaw.com reported
An 83-year-old man from Lincoln County, Wisconsin, tragically drowned near Lake Nokomis in the Town of Bradley near Tomahawk. The man, Leroy Rupnow, was reported missing by his family after they were unable to reach him for over 24 hours. Concerned for his welfare, they contacted the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, prompting a search operation.
Deputies and a K9 unit scoured the man’s home, surrounding wooded area, and the shoreline of Lake Nokomis. Although a K9 track indicated that Rupnow may have walked up to and potentially into the lake, search crews were initially unable to locate his body.
To aid in the search, a “Silver Alert” was issued, seeking the public’s assistance in finding Rupnow. Shortly after, deputies, with the assistance of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office drone team, located his body approximately 30 yards offshore from his home.
Rupnow’s body was recovered from the water and pronounced dead by the Lincoln County Coroner. No foul play is suspected in the incident, but the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and the Lincoln County Coroner’s Office are jointly investigating the matter.
Drowning incidents are not uncommon, especially among the elderly population. It serves as a reminder of the importance of water safety and supervision, particularly for individuals who may be at a higher risk due to age or health conditions. It is crucial for families and caregivers to regularly check on their loved ones, especially if they live alone or near bodies of water.
The community is urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent such accidents. Water safety education, including swimming lessons and the use of life jackets, can go a long way in reducing the risk of drownings..
- Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
- Lake Nokomis drowning
- Leroy Rupnow.
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