A boater fell overboard at the Lock and Dam #9 on the Mississippi River at Lynxville on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 12:40 p.m. and is presumed drown, according to the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

It was determined that Roger S. Goodell, 64, of rural Ferryville, and a friend were fishing in the Mississippi River near Lock and Dam #9, the sheriff’s department reported.

The fishermen’s boat floated into a restricted area near the dam and hit the wall of the dam. Goodell attempted to push the boat away from the wall, while the friend he was with started the boat motor, according to the sheriff’s department. Goodell fell overboard into the water and never resurfaced. Goodell is presumed drowned. 

Workers from Lock and Dam #9, members from several volunteer fire departments, officers from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Med Link Air all searched for Goodell during the afternoon. 

The search resumed on Sunday morning, October 12. The Army Corps of Engineers dive team was called in to search the area near the dam where Goodell had fallen in, the sheriff’s department reported. The Wisconsin DNR also brought in two underwater cameras called Rovers.  Volunteer fire department members and sheriff’s department personnel were also assisting with the search. As of Tuesday, Oct. 14, Goodell’s body had not been located and the search continued. 

“We need to keep looking and hope that we can find him for closure for family and friends,” stated Sheriff Dale McCullick. “With all the boats out fishing and hunting season ongoing on the river, if he surfaces he will be found.”

Anyone finding something on the water is urged to call the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department at 608-326-8414 and report it. 

“I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for all of their assistance. They were a great resource throughout this process,” said Sheriff McCullick. “I also want to thank all who assisted the sheriff’s department, including the Seneca Fire Department and First Responders, Tri State EMS, Med Link Air, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Grant County Sheriff’s Department, Lansing Iowa Fire Department, Harpers Ferry Iowa Fire Department, and Roger Martin, the Crawford County Emergency Management Director.”