Fatal Swimming Incident Reported in Northern Wisconsin

51 year old Minnesota man went underwater while trying to swim back to a drifting pontoon boat, officials say.

Fatal Swimming Incident Reported in Northern Wisconsin

NORTHERN WISCONSIN — A 51 year old Minnesota man died after a swimming incident on Lake St. Croix in Solon Springs, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

One man is dead after a swimming incident on Lake St. Croix in Solon Springs on Sunday afternoon July 12, 2026. The call came in to Douglas County 911 at 2:43pm.

Harry Creger, 51, of Isanti, MN was pontooning with family when he decided to jump in the water for a swim. The wind had picked up, and the boat drifted away from him. He attempted to swim after it, and family tried to maneuver back to him, but he went under before they could reach him, and he did not resurface.

His body was recovered from about 16 feet of murky water by the Douglas County Dive Team at about dusk.

The matter is under investigation by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office, and WI DNR.

The Douglas County Dive Team consists of members of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and the Superior Police and Fire Departments.

A side scan sonar unit, recently purchased with grant money provided by Cenovus Energy, was used to bring this incident to a more rapid conclusion than would have been otherwise possible.

—Per the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Last Update: Jul 15, 2026 8:56 am CDT

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