Bemidji: Man Recovered From Movil Lake Identified

BEMIDJI, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) — A man recovered from Movil Lake has been identified by Beltrami County authorities.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office identified him as Matthew James Rayta, 23, of Maple Grove, Minnesota.

The sheriff’s office released Rayta’s name on Tuesday, July 7.

Body Spotted in Movil Lake

Deputies received a report about a deceased man in the water around 5 p.m. Friday, July 3.

The report sent deputies and other emergency crews to Movil Lake, north of Bemidji.

First responders and bystanders searched the area after arriving at the lake.

A body was spotted around 5:30 p.m. in about 25 feet of water.

Severe thunderstorms then moved into the area and forced crews to clear the lake.

The dangerous weather stopped recovery work until teams could safely return.

Matthew James Rayta, 23, of Maple Grove, Minnesota.

The Lakes Area Dive Team later resumed the underwater search.

Divers located Rayta’s body around 8:30 p.m.

The recovery happened about three hours after the body was first spotted.

Crews recovered the body and transported it for an autopsy.

The sheriff’s office has not released the autopsy findings.

Officials also have not released more details about the circumstances surrounding Rayta’s death.

Several local and state agencies helped with the search and recovery.

The Bemidji Fire Department and Bemidji Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

The Lakes Area Dive Team handled the later underwater search and recovery effort.

Bystanders also assisted first responders during the initial search.

The sheriff’s office said the case remains under investigation.

No additional information has been released about the case.

The agency has not announced when another update may become available.

Official updates may be posted by the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.

The Minnesota DNR provides boating and water safety information online.

The City of Bemidji also provides local department and public safety information.

Rayta’s identification came four days after crews recovered his body.

The recovery operation lasted several hours and was interrupted by severe weather.

Authorities have not released further details about events before the report.

This story will be updated if officials release new confirmed information.

I’m Adrian Cole, reporting for TRF News.