Two Separate Incidents Result In Two Deaths

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, MI - Saturday, September 12, 2009 - The Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department is investigating two separate incidents that have resulted in the deaths of two people today. At approximately 2:30 PM Regional Dispatch reported a structure fire at N12016 Vanderhagen Road in Ironwood Township. Deputies from the Sheriffs Department along with personnel from the Ironwood Township Fire Department, City of Ironwood Fire Department, and Beacon Ambulance responded. Also on the scene were the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department; Victim Services; the Red Cross; and Xcel Energy.

They found the structure fully engulfed upon arrival. Fire fighters on scene found the body of the 53 year old male homeowner inside. His name will not be released pending notification of immediate family. The incident remains under investigation.

At approximately 4:00 PM the Vilas County Sheriffs Department notified the department of a possible drowning on Clark Lake in Watersmeet Township. It was reported that a 3 year old boy was found in the lake and was unresponsive. A deputy from Gogebic County, an officer from the U.S. Forest Service Patrol, and the Watersmeet First Responders responded. The child was transported to Eagle River Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The incident remains under investigation.