BRULE LAKE (BWCA) — The body of a Marshall man was found this afternoon, according to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities identified the body as 32-year-old Justin Sperl of Marshall. Sperl had been traveling in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and had been the subject of a missing person report on Thursday, however law enforcement were able to get in contact with Sperl on Friday. He assured them he was only out canoeing and there was confusion between him and family members about when he would arrive back home.
“This is a terrible tragedy, and we extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Justin,” stated Sheriff Pat Eliasen.
It is not known whether Sperl’s body was recovered from the water, a campsite or a portage in the Brule Lake area. There was no immediate cause of death following the recovery of Sperl’s body. Sperl’s remains will be sent to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.
