Bemidji Man Found Dead in Movil Lake

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — An adult man was found dead Friday night after entering Movil Lake from a boat.

The incident began around 5 p.m. on July 3, 2026. The Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received a report about a man in the water.

The caller said the man left a boat and entered the lake. He soon went underwater and did not return to the surface.

Emergency Crews Search Movil Lake

Beltrami County deputies and other emergency crews were sent to the lake. Nearby boaters and people along the shore also helped.

Officers from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded to support the search.

Searchers located an object around 5:30 p.m. that appeared to be a body. It was found in about 25 feet of water.

However, strong thunderstorms moved into the area before divers could begin their work. Emergency crews were ordered off the lake for safety.

The severe weather delayed the recovery effort for several hours.

Dive Team Recovers Man

The Lakes Area Dive Team later arrived at the location marked by first responders. Divers entered the water after conditions improved.

At about 8:30 p.m., the team found an adult man matching the missing person’s description. Divers then helped recover the body from the lake.

Deputies brought the man to shore. A funeral home transported the body for an autopsy.

Officials did not identify the man in the initial statement.

Several Agencies Assisted

Several agencies assisted during the response. They included the Bemidji Fire Department and Bemidji Ambulance Service.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Lakes Area Dive Team also helped. Civilian boaters and bystanders provided support during the early search.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office said the case remains under investigation. Officials have not released more details about the incident.

Movil Lake is located north of Bemidji in Beltrami County. The lake is used for boating, fishing, and other summer activities.

Authorities remind boaters to use life jackets and watch changing weather conditions. Storms can quickly create dangerous conditions on Minnesota lakes.

More information about boating safety is available through the Minnesota DNR boating safety program.

I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.