Sheriff’s Office Searching for Missing Boater
September 14, 2009
Lieutenant Alecia Rauch
Phone:(608) 284-6155
FAX:(608) 284-6043
Sheriff's Office
At approximately 6:47 p.m., Dane County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with Madison Police and Fire Departments, responded to Lake Monona for a report of a missing boater. Initial investigation revealed a family of four was boating on Lake Monona approximately 500 yards from Starkweather Creek. The boat was traveling on plane when it was involved in a non-contact accident that resulted in all four occupants being thrown from the boat. Three of the boat’s occupants were found, however, a male adult was not located.
Rescue boats and divers searched the area until approximately 9:30 p.m. but were unable to locate the boater. The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Marine and Trail Enforcement (MATE) continued to search the surface and shoreline until 11:00 p.m., and will resume the search at sunrise Tuesday morning.
The name of the missing boater is not being released at this time pending notification of relatives.
UPDATE: September 15, 2009 - The Dane County Sheriff's Office Marine and Trail Enforcement is continuing the search this morning for David M. Fritz, age 39 of Madison. Fritz was boating on Lake Monona last night with his wife and twin sons. All four occupants of the boat were ejected when Fritz, was the the boat operator, made an abrupt turn.
It is still unclear what other factors may have contributed to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Dane County tip line at (608) 284-6900.