Duck Hunting Related Water Death

To: Media
From: Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office
Re/Event: Duck Hunting Related Water Death
Date/Time of Incident: 9:30 am, Saturday, October 20, 2018
Address: Fox River at Lake Puckaway, Town of Marquette, Green Lake County, Wisconsin
Date of Release: 10/20/18
Information:

On Saturday, October 20, 2018, 1:47pm, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s E911 Center received an emergency call concerning a missing duck hunter on the Fox River, nearest Lake Puckaway, in the Town of Marquette.   Deputy Sheriff, Princeton Water Rescue, DNR Warden and emergency services responded to the scene and organized a search. The location of the incident was determined to be on the Fox River approximately 1 mile south of Wicks Landing Rd. at the mouth of Lake Puckaway.
At approximately 2:34pm, Princeton Fire and Water Rescue located a victim in the water. The victim was brought to shore where Green Lake County Emergency Services Ambulance staff evaluated the victim who was determined to be deceased.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that two duck hunters and one dog were returning from a morning hunt when high wind and waves capsized their boat. Both men and the dog remained in the water and became separated. Eventually, one adult male and the dog made it back to shore where 911 was called.
The deceased has been identified as a 52 year old Princeton male who’s name is not being released until notification has been made to family. The surviving male, 47 years old from Berlin, did not require medical attention.
Responding agencies to this incident included the Princeton Water Rescue Unit, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Green Lake County Ambulance Service, Green Lake County Coroners Office and the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. 
This incident remains under investigation by the Wisconsin DNR, Green Lake County Coroner, and Sheriff’s Office.

 ****UPDATE****

Concerning the Saturday, 10/20/18, boating incident on the Fox River south of Princeton, the individuals involved have been identified:

– Thomas G. Zodrow, age 52, Princeton – Deceased

– Daniel R. Verch, age 47, Berlin – Surviving

This incident remains under investigation by the Wisconsin DNR, Green Lake County Coroner, and Sheriff’s Office.

 

Release Prepared by: Mark P. Putzke
Chief Deputy Sheriff
Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office