The New Ulm community is grieving the loss of Andrew DeRock, a resident who had been missing for almost three weeks and was recently found dead. A poignant social media post announced the devastating news, expressing love and sorrow for Andrew, who was described as “the best thing that ever happened” to his family.
The bodies of Andrew DeRock and his companion, Ryan J. Busch, both canoers from New Ulm, were discovered by authorities in northwest Wisconsin. The search for the missing men began on the evening of October 28 when their capsized canoe was found about fifty miles south of Superior on the Minong Flowage.
Andrew T. DeRock, 27 years old, was found on Wednesday afternoon, according to a news release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Ryan J. Busch, 26 years old, was found on November 8. Preliminary inquiries suggest that the canoe capsized for reasons unrelated to weather or drinking.
The 18-day search posed significant challenges for officials, including local weather conditions, chilly water, and natural vegetation. Despite these obstacles, search and rescue teams from Wisconsin and Minnesota, along with a private search organization, remained dedicated to the search and recovery effort.
Douglas County Sheriff Matt Izzard noted that search operations began immediately upon the discovery of the overturned canoe and continued relentlessly. The community now mourns the loss of Andrew DeRock, remembering him as a beloved individual who touched the lives of those around him.
As condolences pour in for the DeRock family and the community grapples with the tragedy, the impact of Andrew’s presence will be remembered, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
