NEAR GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – A popular southeastern Minnesota high school teacher who is also the brother of a U.S. congressman is dead, and two others are injured after a powerful storm roared through parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) and Cook County late Sunday.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday afternoon that 43-year-old Craig Walz died late Sunday night when a tree fell on his campsite on the shores of Duncan Lake.
A powerful storm that rolled through Cook County late Sunday claimed the life of Craig Walz, younger brother of U.S. Congressman Tim Walz. (Photo: Cook County Sheriff’s Office)
A statement from Rep. Tim Walz’s spokesperson said the family is heartbroken.
“Last night, Congressman Walz’s brother, Craig Walz, was killed while up camping in our beloved Boundary Waters. The family wants to express their profound gratitude to law enforcement, first responders and fellow campers who responded immediately to help. The family is also grateful for the messages of support and prayers they have received. They are devastated by the loss and ask for privacy at this time,” the statement reads.
DFL Chairman Ken Martin said Walz’s son Jacob was also injured in the incident, and is currently hospitalized.
“The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Minnesota DFL are with Craig’s wife Julie, his daughter Avery, and all of Rep. Walz’s family as they go through this unthinkable tragedy,” Martin shared in a written statement.
Walz was a chemistry, calculus and geometry teacher at St. Charles High School, where he also acted as school’s math league adviser. He was also the St. Charles football coach before stepping down in 2011. He is also the younger brother of U.S. Congressman Tim Walz.
“Craig was a wonderful teacher and father,” said St. Charles High School principal Ben Bernard. “He will be missed terribly, but he won’t be forgotten.“
The incident involving Craig and Jacob Walz was one of two calls rescuers responded to Sunday night. In that case emergency responders scrambled to the scene at Duncan Lake just before 10:30 p.m. and were able to evacuate Jacob Walz, who was airlifted to a hospital. The body of his father Craig Walz was left on scene until Monday morning due to dangerous conditions.
Rescuers also responded to a call from Clove Lake, where a tree had gone down in the storm and left a man with extensive injuries to his upper body. Responders were able to evacuate the man and he was transported to Cook County Northshore Hospital.
Sheriff’s officials say the storm brought high winds and driving rain that caused widespread power outages.
See the story at KARE 11 News.