Winona County, Minnesota — A woman was found dead in the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota on Wednesday morning, prompting an emergency response from multiple local agencies, according to the Winona County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident was reported around 7:45 a.m., when officials in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, contacted Winona County dispatch about a body seen in the water near U.S. Lock and Dam 6. After confirming that the location fell within Winona County jurisdiction, deputies were immediately sent to the scene.
Authorities described the recovery operation as challenging due to the difficult terrain around the dam. Firefighters from Winona were required to rappel down the structure to safely reach and secure the body. The coordinated effort ensured the woman was recovered without further complications.
Officials have not yet released the identity of the woman. Her body has been transported to the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Rochester, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.
At this stage, investigators have not shared details about how the woman ended up in the river or whether foul play is suspected. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The sheriff’s office has stated that more information will be released once identification is confirmed and family notifications are completed.
Local residents in the area have expressed concern, as the Mississippi River and surrounding infrastructure are typically monitored but can pose dangers due to strong currents and limited accessibility in certain sections.
Officials continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation progresses.
