Press Release – Lake Superior Fatality

Lake County Sheriff’s Office Press Release

June 26, 2023

UPDATE:  The two males who drowned after cliff jumping into Lake Superior have been identified as Austin Henning, 18 years old, of South St. Paul, and Maximillion Williams, 18 years old, of Inver Grove Heights.

The Minnesota DNR also responded to the scene.

On Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 13:25 hours, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a call about two parties cliff jumping at Black Beach in Silver Bay who were seen struggling to swim in Lake Superior.  

Lake County Search & Rescue responded and assistance was requested from St. Louis County Rescue Squad and the US Coast Guard.  The US Coast Guard dispatched a boat from their Bayfield (WI) station as well as a helicopter to assist with the search.

At around 18:12 hours, the body of a male was located and pulled out of the water.  At around 19:39 hours, the body of a second male was located and pulled out of the water.  The identities of the two males will be released once family notifications are complete.

Responding to the scene were the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Lake County Search & Rescue, Lake County Ambulance, Silver Bay Police Department, Silver Bay Fire Department, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, and the US Coast Guard.