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8-Year-Old Dies in Lake Michigan Canoe Accident

Posted at 5:40 PM, Jul 02, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-02 18:05:17-04
Sheriff Cruiser

FOX 17 File Photo

LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich. — An 8-year-old Ann Arbor boy died of hypothermia after the canoe he was in with his father turned over in Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Point Monday night.

According to a press release from the Leelanau County Sheriff’s Office, the boy and his 48-year-old father were attempting to return to their campsite at D.H. Day Campgrounds after canoeing to North Manitou Island.  About a half a mile from shore, their canoe overturned.  The father used his cellphone to contact the campground, and they then alerted authorities.

The boy was air-lifted to Munson Hospital for treatment after being pulled from the water at about 8:23 p.m., but was pronounced dead after arriving.  The water temperature was 55 degrees at the time of the accident.