Veteran park ranger killed after his boat capsizes while rescuing family of three

A veteran Minnesota park ranger was killed over the weekend when his boat capsized while trying to rescue a family of three.Kevin Grossheim, 55, had responded to a distress call Sunday morning from a family whose boat became disabled in treacherous winds and rough water on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park, the National Park Service said.The ranger was towing the family to safety when his own vessel capsized, sending all four people into the choppy water.While the three family members he was trying to rescue managed to swim to safety, Grossheim vanished, with his body found that afternoon after a three-hour search, the NPS said.“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross said. “He will be greatly missed.Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”  Grossheim started his career with the NPS as a seasonal ranger at Boston National Historical Park in 1993, the agency said.He became a permanent ranger in 1995, and served as  Boston National Historical Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before becoming a commissioned law enforcement park ranger at Voyageurs. “Kevin Grossheim was a dedicated ranger and public servant, known for his unwavering commitment to helping others,” Minnesota Gov.

Tim Walz said in a statement Monday. “Minnesota mourns this tragic loss, and requests all flags be lowered in recognition of Ranger Grossheim’s service and sacrifice.”Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) added that Grossheim’s death was “absolutely devastating.”“His bravery will not be forgotten and my thoughts are with everyone involved and their loved ones,” she wrote.Grossheim’s death is under investigation, the NPS said.American flags at national parks will be lowered in Grossheim’s honor through sunset Oct.9....