Authorities have identified the three boaters who lost their lives following a tragic pontoon boat crash on Lake Pepin over the weekend, a heartbreaking incident that has left the Wabasha community mourning. The victims have been identified as Ashley Monson, 37, Manuel De Angel-Sola, 52, and Nicholas Loechler, 46, all of Wabasha, Minnesota.
According to Wabasha Mayor Brian Quinn, two of the victims were members of the local fire service family, making the loss especially painful for first responders and the community they faithfully served. The tragedy unfolded at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, when the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting that people were screaming for help from the waters of Lake Pepin.
Responding agencies quickly located an overturned pontoon boat near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island. Three occupants were found alive, clinging to the capsized vessel, and were safely rescued. They informed emergency crews that three other people who had been aboard the boat were still missing.
An extensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched, bringing together law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and rescue teams from both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The coordinated effort utilized rescue boats, drones, helicopters, sonar equipment, and other specialized resources in an around-the-clock search of the lake.
Despite the tireless efforts of first responders, the three missing boaters were later located deceased. Officials confirmed that although the crash occurred near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island, no campers or camp staff were involved in the incident.
As news of the tragedy spread, an outpouring of grief and support emerged from across the region. Friends, neighbors, and fellow first responders are remembering the victims for the lives they lived and the lasting impact they had on those around them. The loss has been especially profound within the local fire service, where two of the victims were known for their commitment and service.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash to determine what caused the pontoon boat to overturn. The deaths of Ashley Monson, Manuel De Angel-Sola, and Nicholas Loechler have left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of their families, friends, and the Wabasha community, who now mourn three lives taken far too soon.