Man on solo camping trip found dead near canoe: MN officials

A 62-year-old man camping alone in northern Minnesota was found dead near a partially submerged canoe, officials told reporters.

The man, later identified as Duluth resident Mark Ham, was discovered in the water by a group of outdoorsmen in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness before Friday, May 10, at 5 p.m., the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office told Northern News Now .

The BWCA includes more than 1 million acres of forests, rivers and lakes – and 1,200 miles of canoe trails, according to the US Forest Service, adding that the area “offers freedom to those who seek an experience of expansive solitude, challenge and relaxation.” personal integration with nature.”

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Ham’s family told authorities he left for the BWCA alone for a solo canoe trip, KSTP reported. His body was found near a capsized canoe on Lake Agnes, the sheriff’s office said.

Authorities say a life jacket was also found, but Ham was not wearing it, Fox News reported.

“With the opening of fishing season in Minnesota this weekend, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office and Rescue Squad would like to remind everyone to please wear their life jackets while out on the water enjoying their favorite aquatic recreation this summer,” the department said. , the station reports.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area is located about 100 miles north of Duluth.