Lake Winnibigoshish drowning victims identified

BENA - Two men drowned Saturday evening on Lake Winnibigoshish near Bena when their boat capsized in high winds, according to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

The men were identified Monday evening as William Daley, 43, of Minneapolis and Clarence Dickens, 53, of Princeton, Minn.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a capsized boat at 6:38 p.m. Saturday, according to the report. Responding officers located the boat and several items floating in the water near the boat. A search of the area by boat and a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter continued until dark without success.

Wind gusts were as high as 40 mph, according to the sheriff’s office.

The search continued Sunday. Daley’s body was found about 9:35 a.m.; Dickens was found about 5 p.m.

Both victims were taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsies.

The search was conducted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Lakes Area Dive Team, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Leech Lake Tribal Police and Leech Lake conservation officers.