Authorities have identified a 12-year-old girl who apparently drowned in a channel between two lakes in central Minnesota.
JaLysa Anne Cook, of Alexandria, was found in 3 feet of water shortly after 6 p.m. Friday between Lakes Cowdry and Darling just outside Alexandria, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Saturday.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed on the girl immediately, and an ambulance took her to the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria. She was declared dead and taken to the Midwest medical examiner's office in Ramsey for an autopsy.
At least eight or nine people have drowned in nonboating incidents on open water so far this year, according to Lisa Dugan with the state Department of Natural Resources.
"Fast water, especially with the temperature that it is at, is extremely dangerous," she said. "Channels [are] always spots to use extreme caution."
Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
