Boy drowns in river at William O’Brien State Park

Tragic event came at beginning of busy holiday weekend.

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St. Croix River at William O’Brien State Park. (Greg Seitz, St. Croix 360)

A 10-year-old boy died after disappearing in the St. Croix River on Friday, July 3. Numerous public safety agencies responded to a call and found the boy after more than an hour of searching.

The boy’s family was reportedly visiting from Missouri for the Fourth of July. He waded into the river with a friend on his shoulders and disappeared shortly afterwards.

According to dispatchers, the boy went missing in the water in the St. Croix River upstream of the boat landing. His siblings reported the disappearance.

At least one private boater in the area began searching for the boy in the water before authorities arrived. The Washington County Dive Team ultimately responded to the call. Scandia, Stillwater, and other local fire departments also responded.

After the boy was found, first responders administered CPR for at least 30 minutes. He was transported to Regions Hospital where he was declared deceased.