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MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Decomposed Human Remains Found Along Bde Maka Ska Shoreline
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 17, 2026) Authorities are working to identify decomposed human remains discovered Sunday morning along the shoreline of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said Water Patrol deputies were called to the lake at approximately 11:40 a.m. after receiving a report that a body had been found near the shoreline.
Deputies located the remains, and members of the Sheriff’s Office dive team searched the surrounding water and shoreline for possible evidence.
Authorities have not released information about the person’s name, age or gender. Officials also have not said how long the remains may have been in or near the lake.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office will be responsible for identifying the deceased person and determining the cause and manner of death. That process may require additional forensic examination because of the condition of the remains.
The Sheriff’s Office is leading the continuing investigation. Authorities have not characterized the death as accidental, criminal or otherwise suspicious, and no evidence has been publicly released establishing how the person died.
Bde Maka Ska is one of Minneapolis’ most heavily used recreational lakes. It forms part of the city’s Chain of Lakes and is surrounded by beaches, bicycle and pedestrian trails, boating facilities and other public amenities.
The discovery is separate from another death investigation involving a person found Saturday evening in a wooded area near East River Parkway and Oak Street. The two locations are several miles apart, and authorities have not indicated that the cases are connected.
The identity of the person found at Bde Maka Ska is expected to be released after investigators confirm it and notify the person’s relatives. Any determination concerning the cause and manner of death will come from the medical examiner.
The investigation remains active, and additional information is expected as the forensic examination proceeds.
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