Frazee: Woman Dies After Eagle Lake Paddle Boat Capsizes
FRAZEE, Minn. (northwestmnnow.com) — A 70-year-old Bertha woman has died following a paddle boat accident on Eagle Lake in Becker County.
Ruth Matteson died after being rescued from the water and airlifted to a Fargo hospital.
The accident happened October 2, 2026, on Eagle Lake southwest of Frazee.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Matteson’s death after receiving information from her family.
Authorities say the incident remains under investigation.
Four People Involved in Eagle Lake Boat Accident
Deputies responded around 7:37 p.m. October 2 after receiving reports of an overturned paddle boat.
The boat had a trolling motor attached and was carrying four people.
When deputies arrived, one person had reached shore while three others remained near the overturned boat.
A sheriff’s deputy sergeant entered the water to reach Matteson and help bring her to safety.
Matteson was wearing a personal flotation device but was unresponsive when she reached shore.
Emergency crews provided medical assistance before she was airlifted to a Fargo hospital.
Nearby Boaters Help Rescue Passengers
Four private citizens boating nearby joined the rescue effort after discovering the emergency.
Two of those boaters helped emergency responders bring the remaining people to shore.
The Frazee fire chief also assisted in the rescue.
Two other passengers were transported to Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Detroit Lakes.
They were identified as Dustin Strobel, 43, of Staples, and Melodie Pope, 46, of Bertha.
Authorities initially described their injuries as non-life-threatening.
A fourth passenger, Cindy Steuck, 41, of Bertha, had no apparent injuries and was not hospitalized.
Investigators Say Paddle Boat Began Taking on Water
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the initial investigation indicates the boat began taking on water while returning to shore.
Investigators believe the additional water caused the boat to become unstable and eventually overturn.
Authorities have not released a final determination about the accident.
The Becker County Sheriff’s Office continues reviewing the circumstances surrounding the capsizing.
Multiple Emergency Agencies Responded
Several emergency agencies assisted with the rescue operation on Eagle Lake.
They included the Frazee Fire Department, Frazee Rescue, Essentia-St. Mary’s EMS, and Life Link Air Ambulance.
Authorities also recognized the assistance provided by private citizens who were boating nearby.
The accident has raised awareness about emergency preparedness and safety on Minnesota lakes.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources encourages boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets and inspect equipment before leaving shore.
Additional information about the rescue and Matteson’s death was reported by Valley News Live.
Residents can also find information about local emergency services through the Becker County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office has not announced when its investigation will be completed.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
Copyright 2026 northwestmnnow.com. All rights reserved.
