Missing Boater Recovered from Lake Mendota

September 02, 2025
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Marine and Trail Enforcement, Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, and the Dane County Medical Examiner’s Office recovered the body of a 33-year-old man from Lake Mendota just before 1:00 p.m. today.
The man was first reported missing on Monday, September 1, at 5:40 p.m. Sheriff’s deputies, Madison Fire, Madison Police, and UW Lake Rescue responded to the Warner Bay area of Lake Mendota. Search crews worked until 8:00 p.m. but were unable to locate him.
Early Tuesday morning, the Sheriff’s Office began recovery efforts in approximately 30 feet of water, using divers, sonar, and an underwater drone.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of this young man,” said Sheriff Kalvin Barrett. “Losing a loved one in such a sudden and tragic way is heartbreaking.”