In an unexpected turn of events at Lake Petenwell, a 72-year-old man from Necedah tragically lost his life while attempting to save an injured eagle. His daring rescue mission highlights the risks involved in wildlife rescue efforts.
Disappearance and Search Operation
Robert Marti was reported missing by authorities around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, following his absence from a boat launch in the Town of Monroe. Dispatchers were informed that Marti had seen an injured eagle in the lake the previous day. He had contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and a local raptor rescue facility for assistance, with both agencies promising to respond the next morning.
Tragic Discovery
Marti had indicated to his family his intention to save the eagle. When deputies reached the boat launch, they found his vehicle locked and unattended. A search operation was launched using drones, watercraft, and ground personnel. Marti’s body was discovered near the shore, along with a fishing net and eagle feathers. He was not wearing a life jacket, and investigators concluded that he drowned after getting entangled in underwater debris.
Recent Drowning Incidents in Wisconsin
This incident in Adams County adds to a series of drowning events this month. On June 19, an 18-year-old from Pewaukee, Aiden Radosevich, drowned in Okauchee Lake while wakeboarding. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by his family had gathered $93,304 by June 27.
Earlier, on June 13, Juan Mejia, 38, drowned while boating on Nagawicka Lake in Delafield. His niece established a GoFundMe to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, which raised $52,636 by the end of June.
