Update On Capsizing On Eagle Lake

On October 2, 2026, at approximately 7:37 PM, the Becker County Sheriff’s Office received
a report of a boat capsizing on Eagle Lake, southwest of Frazee, with three people in the
water. When law enforcement arrived, it was discovered the boat, a paddle boat with a
trolling motor attached, had flipped over. The victims were now hanging onto the boat.
One occupant had made it to shore but there were still three people in the water.

A Deputy Sergeant wearing a personal floatation device, swam out to the paddle boat and
was able to get a 70-year-old female to shore. The female was wearing a PFD, but now
unresponsive. Four private citizens, who were in their own boat on the lake, came to assist
with the rescue. Two of the citizens, along with the Sergeant and Frazee Fire Chief, went to
the aid of the two remaining people in the water and brought them to safety.

Dustin Strobel, 43, of Staples, MN, and Melodie Pope, 46, of Bertha, MN, were taken to
Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes with what is believed to be non-life-
threatening injuries. Ruth Matteson, 70, of Bertha, was airlifted to a Fargo hospital. Her
condition is unknown. Cindy Steuck, 41 , Bertha, had no apparent injuries and was not
transported.

Initial investigation indicates that while traveling back to the access, the paddle boat began
taking on water creating instability causing it to flip over.
The Frazee Fire Department, Frazee Rescue, Essentia-St. Mary’s EMS, and Life Link Air
Ambulance assisted the Sheriff’s Office. The incident remains under investigation.

October 7, 2026
Update: The family has informed the Sheriff’s Office that one of the victims of this incident,
Ruth Matteson, age 70, of Bertha, has passed away. This incident remains under
investigation.