One dead after boat capsizes in Arbor Vitae

A 75-year-old male boat operator died from an unknown medical event after his boat capsized on Sumach Lake in the town of Arbor Vitae on Sunday.

Vilas County Dispatch received a call at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 reporting a capsized boat in the lake with two men in the water. According to a press release issued by the sheriff’s office, one man was seen bobbing up and down holding a paddle, while a second man was able to swim to shore where he notified a resident that the man in the water was in distress.

“A good Samaritan came from shore and rescued the man from the water,” the release stated. “Upon arrival of medical personnel, the rescued man was speaking with them. At some point he experienced an unknown medical event and became unresponsive.”

The man was transported to Aspirus Howard Young Medical Center where life-saving measures continued, bu the was ultimately pronounced deceased. Identification of the male is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The incident is being investigated by the Wisconsin DNR.

The Vilas County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Oneida County MED 5, Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue, the Oneida County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the DNR.