Community Corner
DNR Officer Who Died Wasn't Wearing Life Jacket: Sheriff
The man, who is the 22nd Minnesota conservation officer to die in the line of duty, is survived by his wife and two children.
PINE CITY, MN — The Minnesota conservation officer who died in the line of duty last month was not wearing a life jacket while on a boat, according to the Pine County Sheriff's Office. CO Eugene Wynn, 43, who patrolled the Pine City station, and a deputy with the Pine County Sheriff's Office were responding to a report of a possible body in the water when the fatal April 19 incident occurred.
An investigation found that Wynn accelerated their boat away from shore before making an abrupt left turn, causing both officers to be thrown overboard, Minnesota Public Radio reported.
Crews were able to rescue the deputy, who was treated and released from the hospital, but Wynn slipped beneath the water before rescuers could get to him.
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Wynn's body was recovered at 1:35 a.m. on April 20, authorities said.
Our first look at DNR Conservation Officer Eugene Wynn who died in the line of duty Friday on Cross Lake in Pine City. He and a deputy from the Pine County Sheriff's Office were looking for a report of a possible body in the water. More on the tragedy tonight on @FOX9 at 9/10. pic.twitter.com/7nIlI1PRr1
— Christina Palladino (@CPalladinoFox9) April 21, 2019
Once called game wardens, conservation officers have protected Minnesota's natural resources and people since 1887, according to a news release.
Find out what's happening in Maple Grovefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Wynn is the 22nd Minnesota conservation officer to die in the line of duty. He had been a conservation officer since 2001. Wynn is survived by his wife and two children.
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