Update Prairie du Sac Dam Dive Call

Updated News Release

July 14, 2019

On Sunday, July 14, 2019, at about 7:27 am, the Sauk County Communications Center received a report from boaters of finding a body in the Wisconsin River between Mazomanie and Arena, or about 10 miles downstream from the Prairie du Sac Dam.  The Iowa County Sheriff's Department, Arena Police Department, and Arena Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services all responded to the area.

First responders located the body of the 53 year old male who was last seen on Saturday, July 13, 2019 while trying to rescue his children from the Wisconsin River below the Prairie du Sac Dam.

The Sauk County Coroner's office responded as well.  No foul play is suspected and his death has been ruled an accidental drowning.

Alliant Energy was instrumental in the rescue and recovery effort by controlling the water flow below the dam on the Wisconsin River during the search.  Alliant personnel were advised that the victim was located and they have resumed normal operations.  The Sauk County Sheriff's Department was also aided in the search by the Sauk City Fire Department, Prairie Du Sac Fire Department, Sauk Prairie Emergency Medical Services, Sauk Prairie Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of the family.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff