Canoer whose body was found in Boundary Waters ID’d as Twin Cities man

Robert Sydney James, 62, was believed to be on a solo canoe trip in northern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
May 12, 2025 at 2:07AM

A Twin Cities man has been identified as the person whose body was found floating in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness on Saturday.

According to a news release from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service employees found a capsized canoe on Iron Lake around 2:20 p.m.

They then found a canoer wearing a life jacket and gear floating nearby. A Forest Service plane flew in to recover the body.

The Sheriff’s Office said the man, identified as Robert Sydney James, 62, of St. Louis Park, was on a solo trip.

The Sheriff’s Office and Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating the incident.

about the writer

about the writer

Eva Herscowitz

Reporter

Eva Herscowitz covers Dakota and Scott counties for the Star Tribune.

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