Man dies from drowning at Lake Orono

ELK RIVER, Minn. (KMSP) - Elk River Police say a man in his 40's has died after drowning at Lake Orono.

Officials say the call first came in shortly before 1:30 p.m.

When first responders arrived, bystanders had already pulled the man from the water.

"He just started kind of going deeper and deeper and my boyfriend and his friend went out after him and we couldn't find him for awhile and my boyfriend actually felt his shirt on his foot," said Makayla William, a witness.

"Next thing we know some lady came up and said ‘I think one of your friends went in the lake.’ So me and a bunch of other guys went over there and dove in after him," said Darrell Jungroth, a witness.

Elk River Police say the man later died at the scene.

Witnesses tell FOX 9 the man was part of a memorial service being held here at the lake.

Investigators say it's still unknown why he entered the water and whether or not drugs or alcohol played a role.
Police have yet to release the man's identity, but do say there is nothing suspicious about his death.