National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger Drowns on Duty in Minnesota Lake

“Ranger Grossheim responded Sunday morning to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters," NPS said.

by Staff

October 9, 2024

National Park Service Law Enforcement Ranger Drowns on Duty in Minnesota Lake

National Park Service Ranger Kevin Grossheim died Sunday while trying to rescue a family in distress on a Minnesota lake. His boat capsized in rough waters. The family was rescued but Grossheim drowned.

Credit:

National Park Service

1 min to read

A National Park Service law enforcement ranger drowned Sunday while trying to rescue a family in distress on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park.

The Park Service has identified the fallen ranger as Kevin Grossheim, 55.

The family that Ranger Grossheim rescued was able to make it to safety. The ranger, however, was missing after the accident. His body was discovered three hours later.

“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”

Ranger Grossheim served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years. He volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department in addition to his work at the park. He was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator familiar with navigating the local lakes of the park.

The National Park Service is continuing to investigate the details of Sunday’s incident.

Topics:Duty Deaths Park Rangers Officer Drowned Patrol

More Patrol

image of men on bicycles and women competing in martial arts and a log for the US Police & Fire Championships

Patrol•December 10, 2025

Police & Fire Championships Expands Athlete Eligibility

The US Police & Fire Championships is now open to all employees – sworn, civilian, administrative, technical, and support staff – who work directly for an eligible public safety agency.

Sponsored•by Wayne Parham•December 5, 2025

Tips for Watching the Hands

How can officers better “watch the hands”? Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association, shares some tips.

Sponsored•by Wayne Parham•December 3, 2025

10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops

What steps can officers take to stay safer during felony or high-risk vehicle stops? Here are 10 tips from Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Screenshot of compute screen showing a blurred license plate compared to an image where the image has been enhanced to show the numbers and letters.

Patrol•by Edited by Staff•November 25, 2025

Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software

Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.

Background orange tinted image of southern California with pushpin marking Burbank. Headline reads K-9 Killed by Gunman, Burbank Police Department

Patrol•November 24, 2025

Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops

A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.

Patrol•by Wayne Parham•November 23, 2025

From the Show Floor: InVeris

In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.