A park ranger died trying to rescue three people in Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota on Sunday, Oct. 6, according to the National Park Service.
On Monday, Oc.t. 7, the NPS identified the ranger as Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minn.
Grossheim died after he responded to a “distress call” by a family of three on Birch Cove Island, a campsite in the Minnesota national park, late Sunday morning.
When he reached the family, Grossheim helped them get onto his NPS boat.
The vessel “overturned amid high winds and rough waters” on Namakan Lake, the NPS said. The three family members swam to safety, but Grossheim was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, his body was found around 3:20 p.m.
Grossheim was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with the Voyageurs National Park’s local lakes, the NPS said. The NPS is investigating his death.
Kevin Grossheim.
Voyageurs National Park/NPS/Facebook
“Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years,” park officials said in a release.
Grossheim began his tenure as a seasonal ranger at Boston National Historical Park in 1993, per the NPS. Two years later, he became a permanent park ranger at Boston National Historical Park and later Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. He worked at Voyageurs National Park for 23 years as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger and also volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department.
“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”
Kevin Grossheim.
Voyageurs National Park/NPS/Facebook
Gov. Tim Walz issued a statement on Monday and ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of Grossheim.
“Kevin Grossheim was a dedicated ranger and public servant, known for his unwavering commitment to helping others,” read Walz’s statement. “Minnesota mourns this tragic loss, and requests all flags be lowered in recognition of Ranger Grossheim’s service and sacrifice.”
National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands also ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset on October 9, per the NPS news release.
“Absolutely devastating to hear about the loss of our Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim of Kabetogama,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said in a statement on FacebookMonday. “His bravery will not be forgotten and my thoughts are with everyone involved and their loved ones.”
