Volunteers searching for a missing Dassel teen found a body of a male in the area he was last seen Monday night.
Authorities say volunteer searchers believe they found the body of 18-year-old Levi Wuollet. The body was found Thursday in the North Fork Crow River near Howard Lake. The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Officer will identify the body.
According to a report from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Wuollet, who graduated from Dassel-Cokato High School Sunday, was swimming with his brother and a friend near the Keats Avenue Southwest bridge in Middleville Township just before 7 p.m. Monday when he went under and did not resurface.
Crews began searching for Wuollet around 9:30 p.m. Monday evening. The search included deputies from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol unit, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as well as numerous volunteers, according to the report. A water patrol unit from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office responded with specialized underwater sonar equipment to assist in the search.
“Rescue crews, Red Cross, family, friends and many volunteers are continuing to search for our dear Levi. We pray that he is soon found,” his family wrote on a fundraising page established to assist with costs associated with the search. “Our gratitude to every one who have and continue to support, search and pray during this difficult time is more than we can express.”
As of Friday morning, nearly $26,000 had been raised through Wuollet’s YouCaring page. To access the fundraising page, visit https://www.youcaring.com/leviwuolletfamily-842518.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens to be cautious around fast-moving water. After some heavy rains this spring, many of the area rivers and streams are flowing rapidly and have may have hidden hazards, including logs and boulders, the report said.
