National Park Service releases more information about Law Enforcement Ranger Kevin Gossheim, who died in the line of duty
Oct 08, 2024 09:11AM ● By Content Editor
NPS Ranger Kevin Grossheim. NPS Photo
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 8, 2024
The National Park Service (NPS) has released additional information about the Law Enforcement Ranger who died in the line of duty on Sunday, October 6, at Voyageurs National Park. Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, had worked at Voyageurs National Park as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger for over 20 years. According to the NPS, Grossheim also volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department and was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor experienced and familiar with navigating the park lakes.
"Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond," said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. "He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones."
According to WDIO News in Duluth, a long line of law enforcement squads escorted Grossheim's body from Voyageurs National Park to Superior, WI, on Sunday, then to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in the Twin Cities and back on Monday.
To honor Ranger Grossheim, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered all US and state flags to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately. National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands also ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset on October 9.
Ranger Grossheim was responding to a distress call from a family of three on Namakan Lake near Birch Cove Island. Upon escorting the family back to the mainland in his boat, the NPS vessel capsized, tossing all four people into the water. The three family members were able to swim to safety, but Grossheim was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, his body was recovered.
At the time, winds were around 40mph, with waves 5-6 feet.
The incident is under investigation.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - October 8, 2024
The National Park Service (NPS) has released additional information about the Law Enforcement Ranger who died in the line of duty on Sunday, October 6, at Voyageurs National Park. Park Ranger Kevin Grossheim, 55, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, had worked at Voyageurs National Park as a commissioned law enforcement park ranger for over 20 years. According to the NPS, Grossheim also volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department and was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor experienced and familiar with navigating the park lakes.
"Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond," said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. "He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones."
According to WDIO News in Duluth, a long line of law enforcement squads escorted Grossheim's body from Voyageurs National Park to Superior, WI, on Sunday, then to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office in the Twin Cities and back on Monday.
To honor Ranger Grossheim, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered all US and state flags to be lowered to half-staff effective immediately. National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands also ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset on October 9.
Ranger Grossheim was responding to a distress call from a family of three on Namakan Lake near Birch Cove Island. Upon escorting the family back to the mainland in his boat, the NPS vessel capsized, tossing all four people into the water. The three family members were able to swim to safety, but Grossheim was unaccounted for. After a three-hour search, his body was recovered.
At the time, winds were around 40mph, with waves 5-6 feet.
The incident is under investigation.
