Merrifield man identified in deadly pontoon accident

(Pequot Lakes, MN) — Crow Wing County Sheriff Scott Goddard reports on June 19th, 2022 at approximately 2:59 pm, Crow Wing County Deputies responded to the area 9228 Cimino Bay Drive in Pequot Lakes (Pelican Lake Public Access) for a report of a male that had been pulled from the water while swimming from a pontoon on the south part of Pelican Lake. It was reported that the male was not breathing and CPR was in progress. Deputies along with a Breezy Point Officer, Zone 3 First Responders, and North Ambulance met a pontoon at the access with the victim onboard and continued life-saving measures. The male was pronounced dead at the scene.
The male victim was identified as 49-year-old-year-old Loren Michael Hinch of Merrifield. The incident is currently under investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Breezy Point Police, North, Ambulance, and Zone 3 First Responders.