Body of Missing Southern Minnesota Man Found in Boundary Waters

Cook County, MN (KROC-AM News)- Authorities in far northeastern Minnesota say a body found in Boundary Waters Canoe Area is that of a missing southern Minnesota man. 

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A news release issued by Cook County officials Monday says the Cook County Sheriff’s Office responded to Brule Lake, which is about 30 miles north of Grand Marais, where canoeists discovered the body. Deputies, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Cook County Search and Rescue responded to the lake on Monday. 

The news release says the responding agencies identified the body as 36-year-old Justin Michael Sperl of Marshall. Sperl was the subject of a statewide missing person alert issued by the Minnesota BCA on Thursday. 

Cook County officials say deputies made contact with Sperl after finding his vehicle on Friday at the Brule Lake landing. He told law enforcement he was fine and was only out canoeing. 

It’s unclear as of Tuesday morning when Sperl died. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the body discovery. 

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is examining Sperl’s body to help determine the circumstances surrounding his death.