Lake Pepin Boat Crash Victims Identified After Deadly Pontoon Accident
A tragic boating accident on Lake Pepin has claimed the lives of three people, including two members of the Wabasha Fire Department, leaving the communities of Wabasha, Minnesota, and Pepin County, Wisconsin, mourning a devastating loss.
Officials have identified the victims who died after a 27-foot pontoon boat overturned following a collision with a barge over the weekend. The incident triggered a major search and rescue operation after emergency responders received reports of people calling for help in the waters of Lake Pepin.
The victims were identified as 37-year-old Ashley Monson, 46-year-old Nicholas Loechler, and 52-year-old Manuel De Angel-Sola, all residents of Wabasha, Minnesota.
Authorities confirmed that two of the victims were firefighters with the Wabasha Fire Department, though officials have not publicly specified which two individuals were active department members. Community members have since gathered to honor the lives of those lost and support the victims’ families.
Emergency Crews Respond After Late-Night Lake Pepin Distress Call
According to the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was placed shortly before midnight reporting that people were screaming for help from the waters of Lake Pepin.
When emergency crews arrived near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island, they discovered a pontoon boat overturned just offshore. Investigators determined the vessel had collided with a barge before capsizing.
Three survivors were found holding onto the overturned pontoon. They told rescuers that three additional passengers were missing.
A large-scale search and rescue mission immediately began, involving multiple agencies working through challenging conditions on the lake. After an extensive search effort, the three missing occupants were located and pronounced dead.
Wabasha Fire Department Members Remembered as Community Leaders
The deaths of Loechler and De Angel-Sola have deeply affected the Wabasha Fire Department and the surrounding community.
Fire Chief Darren Sheeley previously confirmed that two of the victims were firefighters with the department. A 2022 photo shared by the City of Wabasha showed Angel-Sola and Loechler alongside Chief Sheeley wearing firefighting gear, highlighting their service and dedication to the community.
Residents described the victims as people who dedicated their lives to helping others.
Wabasha Mayor Emily Durand spoke about the impact of the tragedy, describing the loss as overwhelming for a close-knit community.
“They’re leaders, they’re servants, they’re just wonderful people,” Durand said. “They are loved. They are friends.”
She added that the victims’ families, including their children, are facing an unimaginable loss.
Community Comes Together to Honor Lake Pepin Crash Victims
On Monday evening, St. Felix Catholic Church in Wabasha opened its doors for a community gathering to remember the lives lost in the boating tragedy.
Friends, relatives, firefighters, and residents came together to grieve and show support for the families affected by the crash.
For a small community like Wabasha, the loss has been especially painful because many residents knew the victims personally through their work, public service, and community involvement.
Investigation Into Lake Pepin Pontoon Crash Continues
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly Lake Pepin boat crash.
The Pepin County Sheriff’s Office and Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with the investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the pontoon colliding with the barge and overturning.
Officials have not released additional details about possible contributing factors, including weather conditions, speed, or other circumstances surrounding the collision.
Lake Pepin Boat Crash Victims: What We Know So Far
- Location: Lake Pepin near Deer Island, Wisconsin
- Incident: 27-foot pontoon boat overturned after reportedly colliding with a barge
- Emergency call: Received shortly before midnight reporting people screaming for help
- Victims identified:
- Ashley Monson, 37, of Wabasha, Minnesota
- Nicholas Loechler, 46, of Wabasha, Minnesota
- Manuel De Angel-Sola, 52, of Wabasha, Minnesota
- Firefighters among victims: Two members of the Wabasha Fire Department
- Investigation: Led by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who were the victims of the Lake Pepin boat crash?
The victims were identified as Ashley Monson, Nicholas Loechler, and Manuel De Angel-Sola, all from Wabasha, Minnesota.
Were firefighters killed in the Lake Pepin boat accident?
Yes. Officials confirmed that two of the three victims were firefighters with the Wabasha Fire Department.
Where did the Lake Pepin pontoon crash happen?
The crash happened near Deer Island, close to the YMCA Camp area on Lake Pepin.
What caused the Lake Pepin boat crash?
Authorities say the pontoon collided with a barge before overturning. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating the exact cause.
How many people survived the Lake Pepin boat accident?
Three people were found alive clinging to the overturned pontoon after the crash and alerted rescuers that others were missing.
How is the Wabasha community responding to the tragedy?
Residents, firefighters, and local leaders have gathered to mourn the victims and support their families following the devastating loss.