PARKE TOWNSHIP, MN – A man who was headed to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, Minn., was found dead after authorities began a search for him.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says Ottertail County reached out to their department on Tuesday to request assistance in attempting to locate a missing person. The department said a rural Pelican Rapids man left his home for the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion the night before.
The man, identified as Richard Evenson, was driving in a Red Jeep Wrangler with his dog.
Authorities began searching the area between Evenson’s home and Rollag to attempt to locate him. His family was also searching.
At just after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Clay County authorities were informed a vehicle was in a slough in the 1100 block of 280th Street South. This location is southeast of Rollag. Deputies arrived and observed what appeared to be a vehicle submerged underwater approximately 25 feet from the roadway.
Valley Water Rescue responded and assisted in removal of the vehicle from the water. Once removed, it was confirmed that the vehicle matched the one being searched for. The vehicle was occupied with a deceased male and a dog, identified as Evenson and his dog.
Evenson was taken to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner for an autopsy. The dog was transported back to Evenson’s residence at the request of family.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
