UPDATE: Rosholt man drowns after kayak capsizes on Lake Helen

Metro Wire Staff

TOWN OF ALBAN – A 42-year-old Rosholt man died Tuesday after his kayak capsized on Lake Helen, according to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office.

A witness told deputies they saw the kayaker, later identified as Christopher A. Philipp, go under the water around 3:15 p.m. near the 3100 block of Lake Helen Drive and called 911.

Several civilians attempted to assist before rescue crews arrived, the sheriff’s office said.

Sheriff Mike Lukas said a drone team also responded to the scene. Philipp was eventually located by emergency crews, but life-saving measures were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead.

Emergency responders assisting included the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Rosholt Fire Department, Rosholt/Sharon Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Amherst Emergency Medical Responders (EMR), Stevens Point Fire Department, Plover Fire Department, Aspirus Medivac, Divepoint Scuba, and the Portage County Medical Examiner. The medical helicopter was ultimately not needed.

Lukas said no foul play is suspected, though the investigation remains ongoing.