27-Year-Old Andrew DeRock’s Body Recovered After Canoeing Incident in Wisconsin’s Minong Flowage

Accident – Death – Obituary News : (Nov. 15) – The St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office have successfully located and recovered the body of 27-year-old Andrew DeRock, according to a press release from Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard. DeRock had been missing since October 28 after a tragic canoeing incident on the Minong Flowage in Douglas County. The search for DeRock and his companion, Ryan Busch, who was found on November 8, had been ongoing for over two weeks.

The search efforts faced numerous obstacles, including adverse weather conditions, cold water temperatures, submerged stumps, and dense natural foliage in the search area. Despite these challenges, multiple agencies, including the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, WI DNR, Sawyer County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Superior Dive Team, Wascott, Gordon and Minong Fire Departments, Newbold Fire (Vilas County) K9 teams, and Sarah Garfunkel with KERT – K9 Emergency Response Team, tirelessly conducted land, water, and air searches over the 18-day period.

In a previous news release, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office stated that alcohol was not a factor in the incident. However, the latest release no longer references this detail, suggesting that the focus has shifted to other aspects of the case.

On November 9, Sheriff Izzard announced that the body of 26-year-old Ryan Busch had been recovered. The search efforts for Andrew DeRock are still ongoing, with authorities determined to bring closure to his family and loved ones.

The two missing canoeists, both hailing from New Ulm, Minnesota, had last been seen on October 28. The capsized canoe was discovered, prompting the family to alert the authorities through a 911 call. The subsequent search mission has been significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions, cold water temperatures, and dense foliage in the search area.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, has been working relentlessly to locate the missing individuals. Additionally, a private search organization, contacted by the family, has provided valuable assistance in the search efforts.

Despite the challenges faced by the search teams, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office remains determined to find Andrew DeRock. The recovery mission continues, with hopes of bringing closure to the grieving families.

The press release also included a message of gratitude from the parents of Ryan and Andrew, expressing their heartfelt appreciation to the Wascott community, as well as their family and friends, for the overwhelming support they have received during this difficult time.

Overall, the search and recovery efforts for the missing canoeists have been extensive, involving multiple agencies and volunteers. The commitment and dedication displayed by the search teams reflect their unwavering determination to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic incident..