Body of missing fisherman found

ROCK ISLAND — Authorities have recovered the body of a downstate man who went missing in late November.

The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office reports that the body of William Kenyon Wenzel of Merrill was recovered on Lake George early Thursday afternoon. Family and friends were searching the shoreline area when they found something floating in the shallow waters near Rock Island. A rescue boat was launched by the Sheriff’s Office, and a body — later identified as Wenzel by his brother — was recovered.

Police say the investigation is now closed, as it appears that this was an accidental drowning.

Wenzel was reported missing on November 27th, 2015. He was fishing in a boat on Lake George at the time of his disappearance. Police say there were high winds at the time and it was suspected that Wenzel had fallen overboard. A small boat was recovered then, but Wenzel was not found.

The Wenzel family expressed their thanks to the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Ontario Provincial Police, Michigan State Police, the Michigan DNR, and local friends and family for their efforts and support.