The body of twenty-year-old Alex Vitalis has been recovered from the river, Fox 9 is reporting:
Original post:
The Pioneer Press is reporting that an unidentified individual is missing in the river after jumping off a cliff on the Wisconsin side:
The Chisago County sheriff’s office water patrol responded to the Franconia Landing to begin a search. Along with the National Park Service and Taylors Falls Fire Department, the agencies scoured the river until 9:30 p.m., when the rescue effort was called off for the night.
Update #1: An individual on the St. Croix River Facebook page writes, “His name is Alex Vitalis, a local young man. Please pray for his family.”
Update #2: Another reader corrects the initial information, “Shafer Fire was paged first for a reported party in the water. They then called for Mutual Aid from Taylors Falls Fire, Osceola Fire and the Nat. Park Service. Chisago County Sheriff’s Office also responded.”
Update #3: Another St. Croix River Facebook fan says she was on a nearby island when it happened, “It was around 6:30- 7:00. At the spot where everybody always jumps. They weren’t even jumping from the high spot, actually were on the low rock.”
Update #4: According to the Pioneer Press, Chisago County authorities say they have recovered the missing jumper’s body. This article’s headline has been updated.
This is a very sad event for the many people who knew the victim, and for all who enjoy the St. Croix River. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.
