Search Of Fond du Lac River Comes Up Empty, Investigation Is Closed

Divers continued their search Wednesday after local authorities responded to a report of a citizen report of a body part visible in the Fond du Lac River in the area of North Lincoln St. South of Johnson St.

An updated release of information Wednesday afternoon by Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt said crews have completed their search of the Fond du Lac River. Sonar images from the ROV identified several items of interest, all of which were examined further and visually confirmed to be debris. No human body or body parts were located, and the Fond du Lac Police Department is closing their investigation.

According to a press release issued Wednesday morning by Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt, “On June 15, 2021, Fond du Lac Police, Fond du Lac Fire/Rescue, and Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office personnel worked together on an investigation into a citizen report of a possible human body part visible in the Fond du Lac River south of Johnson St. in the City of Fond du Lac (original media release
from FDLFR included below). This morning the police department, sheriff’s office, and Wisconsin DNR are coordinating an additional search of the river in this area. The DNR will be utilizing a Remote
Operated Vehicle (ROV) with sonar capabilities, and sheriff’s office divers will be deployed into the river to investigate or recover any items of interest that are located. Additional information regarding the findings of the search will be released upon completion of the mission.”

Crews were called out Tuesday just past 7:00 p.m. for a report of a possible body in the Fond du Lac River.

A press release issued by Fire Chief Peter O’Leary says a citizen was using a large magnet to clean debris from the river when they believed to have seen a human hand in the water.

Rescue crews conducted a limited search of the area with negative results. A FDL County Sheriff representative was also on scene and it was determined it would be better to conduct any further search at daybreak Wednesday.