By Joanna Putman
Police1
DULUTH, Minn. — A National Park Service ranger died while rescuing boaters in dangerous water conditions, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported.
Park ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, died Oct. 6 while attempting to rescue a Wisconsin family stranded on an island in Voyageurs National Park during dangerous 8-foot waves on Namakan Lake, according to the report.
Though Grossheim managed to rescue the family, a man and his two sons, Grossheim’s Park Service boat took on water and capsized, according to the report. He was wearing a life jacket but did not survive. The family was safely transported to Crane Lake to meet law enforcement.
A longtime ranger who moved to northern Minnesota over 20 years ago, Grossheim was described as a “true public servant” by St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsay, according to the report. Known for his dedication, Grossheim was always ready to help, often going above and beyond in his community.
“He loved to help people,” Ramsay said.
Grossheim’s career included roles at Boston National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before he became a commissioned law enforcement ranger at Voyageurs, according to the report. He was a skilled motorboat operator certification course instructor, well-acquainted with the local waters and known for his meticulous focus on safety.
“He loved it so much that he gave his own life saving three people,” Kabetogama Fire Department Chief Brian Wichner said.
