A law enforcement ranger died Sunday at Voyageurs National Park while coming to the aid of visitors/NPS file

Editor's note: This story is updated to include the ranger's name and a bit of his biography and adds more details to the rescue incident. 

A law-enforcement ranger at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota died Sunday while assisting a disabled vessel to shore. 

Kevin Grossheim, of Kabetogama, Minnesota, was 55 years old. 

He'd been a ranger at Voyageurs for 23 years, after beginning his career as a seasonal ranger in Boston in the 1990s.

Ranger Grossheim responded Sunday morning to a distress call from park visitors near Birch Cove Island. After taking a family of three aboard his National Park Service boat, the vessel overturned amid high winds and rough waters.

The three family members were able to reach safety, but Ranger Grossheim was unaccounted for. His body was recovered later that afternoon following a roughly three-hour long search. 

Ranger Grossheim was a treasured member of the community and served at Voyageurs National Park for more than 20 years. He volunteered with the Kabetogama Fire Department in addition to his work at the park. He was a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC) instructor and experienced boat operator.

Details about memorial services for Ranger Grossheim are still being finalized. In recognition of his life-saving act, National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands ordered the American flag lowered at national parks through sunset October 9 in Grossheim’s honor. 

“Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. “He will be greatly missed. Our hearts go out to his wife and their loved ones.”  

The National Park Service is continuing to investigate the details of Sunday’s incident.