Marine mechanic falls off new boat in western Minn. with no life jacket, dies

The victim had taken the boat out for testing on the Alexandria lake.

August 28, 2016 at 2:39PM

A boater fell into the water of a western Minnesota lake and was found dead in the water later that day, authorities said.

The incident occurred Saturday on the northeast edge of Alexandria on Lake Le Homme Dieu near the Rotary public access, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was identified as Brandon D. Randt, 29, of Alexandria, a mechanic at Alex Auto & Marine.

According to the Sheriff's Office:

A witness called 911 about 9:15 a.m. reporting a "man overboard." The caller said Randt was "lake testing" a new boat and appeared to be returning to shore. The witness said he lost sight of the boat because of the sun and then saw Randt in the water and the boat circling.

The witness directed emergency responders to Randt's last known location. He was detected in 24 feet of water about 1:35 p.m. He was not wearing a life jacket.

An autopsy will determine Randt's cause of death.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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