Body recovered near Wisconsin River, police say

By Brandi Makuski

Police have recovered the body of a Plover resident following an accident near the Wisconsin River bridge on Thursday.

According to a joint news release from Plover and Stevens Point police on Thursday afternoon, the body of 53-year-old Christopher Nielsen was recovered at about 8:20 a.m. alongside River View Ave. in Stevens Point.

Nielsen went missing Wednesday evening when he left his Rivers Edge Court residence for a bicycle ride. Police were called to conduct a welfare check at 9:22 p.m. when Nielsen hadn’t returned home.

“Search efforts for Mr. Nielsen were conducted throughout the evening,” the news release reads in part, conducted with the help of Nielsen’s friends and family, Stevens Point police and the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office.

An all-terrain vehicle, bicycle patrols, and K-9 units were all used in the search, according to Stevens Point Assistant Chief Tom Zenner.

Nielsen was found, deceased, on an off-road bicycle trail, not associated with the Green Circle Trail, on the east side of the Wisconsin River, the release said.

“[The] initial investigation indicates a bicycle-related accident to be a contributing factor in his death,” the release reads.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family during this difficult time,” said Plover Police Chief Dan Ault.