At about 3 p.m. today, after an extensive search of the Sheyenne River, the body of a deceased adult female who was suspected of entering the Sheyenne River Wednesday afternoon was found. The body was found along the bank between 13th Avenue W. and Seventh Avenue W.
The West Fargo Fire Department, West Fargo Police Department and Valley Water Rescue, along with other local agencies had been searching the Sheyenne River near 13th Avenue W. to recover the woman.
“The search was a little more challenging because we did not have a confirmed entry point,” said Chief Dan Fuller. “Once we started to use our grid system and methodically process the area we were able to make the discovery.”
River conditions, such as currents, ice sheets, branches and curves, made the recovery process difficult. The initial rescue operation began around 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, but became a recovery operation due to river conditions, lack of light and need to maintain safety for the operation crew.
The West Fargo Police Department investigation of this incident is still ongoing, but foul play is not suspected with the information currently available.
“We will be gathering more information and reviewing the information we have to make a determination,” said West Fargo Police Department Lieutenant Greg Warren.
West Fargo Fire Department and West Fargo Police Department would like to thank the Valley Water Rescue, FM Ambulance, Fargo Fire Department, and the Southeast Regional UAS drone team for their assistance during this operation.
“There were a lot of agencies in the southeast part of the state that offered equipment to help us with this recovery,” said Chief Fuller. “It definitely was a large effort to bring this to a conclusion.”
Although a final determination has not been made about the cause of death, both departments would also like to remind the community to look out for each this time of year. If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, 24/7 help is available locally at 2-1-1 or at the National Suicidal Prevention Lifeline is available at 1(800)273-8255.