Drowning claims Maiden Rock man

ALMA, Wis. — A Maiden Rock man drowned Saturday in the Tiffany Wildlife Refuge.

Lawrence Ellenberger, 53, of Maiden Rock drowned at about 5:30 p.m. after he fell into the backwaters of the Tiffany Wildlife Refuge about a half-mile

south of the Chippewa River.

Buffalo County Sheriff Michael Schmidtknecht said the victim was fishing with a Pepin man when their boat’s engine quit working. There were no life vests on the boat.

The victim was trying to start the engine and was pulling the rope when it started unexpectedly. Ellenberger lost his balance and fell into the water.

The boat kept going around the victim until the other man was able to reach the back and take control. He saw the Maiden Rock man had gone under the

surface.

The Sheriff’s Department was notified at 6 p.m. The drowning occurred alongside Highway 35, one mile north of Highway 25.

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