A 24-year-old Chicago man is dead after drowning on Birch Island Lake in western Burnett County.
According to law enforcement, Burnett County Sheriff's deputies were called to the lake on Friday, August 20, around 5:00 p.m. with the report of a possible drowning. Witnesses told responders that the 24-year-old had been boating with friends when he jumped into the water and began to struggle.
After he went under the surface, those on the boat began to search along with nearby people, members of several fire departments, and the Jackson Fire Dive team.
The search was called off that night due to darkness, but it was resumed on Saturday, August 21. The victim's body was recovered around 6:52 a.m.
Multiple agencies assisted the Burnett County Sheriff's Office including The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Shell Lake Fire Department, Webb Lake Fire Department, St. Croix Hertel Fire Department, Jackson Fire Department and Divers, North Ambulance, and Burnett County Medical Examiner’s Office.
