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An unexpected tragedy struck last week during a waterfowl hunt in North Dakota. Minnesotan Christopher Hendricks was hunting the Eszlinger Waterfowl Production Area in McIntosh County, North Dakota, with his buddy Maxwell DiVenere on the morning of November 12.
According to a Facebook post from the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Department, the duo was hunting a slough when they dropped a bird that went down about 100 yards from shore. The pair sent their retriever to fetch it.
“When the dog reached the bird, it became caught up in a thin sheet of ice and began struggling to free itself,” explained the Sheriff’s Department. “Hendricks removed his bulky clothing and began swimming toward the dog.”
According to DiVenere, Hendricks was able to reach the dog and began swimming back to shore with it. But as they did so, DiVenere said that “Hendricks was showing signs of distress.” DiVenere swam out to assist them, and the two hunters tried to hold onto each other, but at one point, Hendricks lost his grip on DiVenere and fell below the surface. DiVenere, fearing for his own life, swam to shore, as did the dog.
Officials soon reported to the scene of the accident. DiVenere was transported to a hospital to be treated for exhaustion and exposure, and a recovery effort for Hendricks ensued. The search was hindered because of murky water conditions; his body was recovered the following day, around 40-50 yards from shore.
The North Dakota State Forensic Examiner’s Office considers the incident a witnessed drowning, and no autopsy was conducted. In an obituary, Hendricks’s family wrote that he “loved the outdoors” and “was the happiest when he was out in nature. He hunted ducks, geese, and occasionally turkey—this was a passion he has had for years.”
“The small town of Ashley, ND, is a well-known and loved hunting area for the Hendricks family, Chris, and his friends,” they added in a section about honoring Hendricks with contributions to organizations such as The Ashley Fire District, Indiana University Kokomo Sustainability Fund, and the Wetlands Initiative.
“This is a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures while enjoying the hunt,” wrote the McIntosh Sheriff’s Department. Our thoughts go out to Hendricks’s friends and family.