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The Fergus Falls Police Department received a call at 11:44 am of a deceased individual found in the Otter Tail river between Hannah Park on the south and Broadway Avenue on the north bank. A number of kayakers were paddling the river when they made the discovery midstream. The group immediately called 911 to report their findings.

Fergus Falls Police, Fired and EMS responded along with Otter Tail County Water Patrol. The deceased was recovered from the river and was sent to the Midwest Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy. The deceased appears to have in the river for an extended period of times. The person’s identity is unknown at this time. We will release more information regarding identifiers of the victim once they receive results from the medical examiner.

A search of the riverbank was conducted from Central Dam to the area of the discovery. They are working with agencies across the region for any possible leads.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has positively identified the person found in the Otter Tail River in Fergus Falls; however, his name is being withheld until family can be notified. Police have been working with authorities in the state of New York on identification of the deceased and locating family. The individual had lived in Fergus Falls for a few months and had indicated to acquaintances earlier this spring that he was thinking of moving back east. No foul play was involved in the death. Final autopsy results are pending toxicology reports.