Missing Boater Located Deceased

–RELEASE–

Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard reports that on October 11, 2021 at approximately  6:05 PM Deputies responded to the Little Rabbit Lake Boat Access in Ironton for a welfare  check. A citizen reported seeing an unoccupied boat drifting approximately 75 feet off the  shoreline not far from the boat launch area. The citizen also reported seeing a pair of socks and  shoes sitting on the dock.  

With the assistance of the citizen, Deputies were able to recover the unoccupied boat. Deputies  did search the area around the unoccupied boat and the boat launch area, but were unable to  locate anyone. Deputies additionally observed a vehicle with a trailer at the landing with the  same registered owner as the unoccupied boat. Unsuccessful attempts were made to contact  the registered owner of the boat in an attempt to check his welfare. Due to darkness, a more  extensive search for the missing boater was delayed until the following morning.  

On the morning of October 12, 2021 at approximately 9:15 am, the Crow Wing County  Recreational Division and the Crow Wing County Dive Team recovered a deceased male in 17  feet of water approximately 15 feet off the end of the dock at the boat launch.  

The deceased male was identified as 69 year old William Elliott of Deerwood. Elliot was  transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office and the cause of death is pending.  

The Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office was also assisted by members of the Crow Wing County  Drone Team and members of the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team.