CO Man Drowns After Wave Capsizes Canoe In MN Boundary Waters

BOUNDARY WATERS, MN — A 73-year-old canoer from Colorado drowned in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Life jackets "were accessible" but were not used, according to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office.

Two men were canoeing in East Loon Bay when heavy rain and winds from a severe storm brought waves, which capsized their boat and threw them into the water.

Denis M. Guenther, of Colorado, was able to swim to shore with their gear while Wayne L. Morrow — also of Colorado — remained with the canoe.

When Guenther returned to the canoe, Morrow was missing.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the United States Forest Service, St. Louis County Rescue, and other emergency responders launched a search effort. Morrow was found submerged in 61 feet of water, according to a news release.