Search Paused After Reported Ice Break-Through on Mississippi River Near University of Minnesota Rowing Club

What happened and where

Search crews in Minneapolis paused efforts late Friday, February 13, 2026, after a report that an adult man fell through ice on the Mississippi River near the University of Minnesota’s rowing club on the East Bank.

Emergency responders were dispatched at about 4 p.m. after a caller reported a person had gone through the ice. The location is along the river corridor adjacent to university facilities and popular pedestrian and recreation routes.

Response and the status of the search

Hennepin County water patrol deputies responded first and began a search of the river in the area. Crews used sonar in an attempt to locate the man in the water but did not find him Friday evening.

Minneapolis police and fire personnel also took part in the response. With daylight fading and the initial search unsuccessful, crews planned to resume operations at daylight Saturday, February 14, 2026.

A second person also fell through the ice

Authorities said an adult woman who witnessed the incident went onto the ice in an attempt to help the man. She then fell through the ice as well, but was able to get back to shore.

She was transported to a hospital as a precaution related to cold exposure. No additional information was released Friday night about her condition beyond the precautionary transport.

What is confirmed, and what remains unknown

As of Friday night, officials had not released the man’s name, age, or hometown, and it was not clear whether he had been alone or accompanied before the reported fall-through. Responders also did not publicly describe how far from shore the incident occurred, the ice conditions at the exact location, or whether any safety equipment was in use.

The incident remained an active search rather than a confirmed recovery. The planned continuation at daylight indicates responders expected improved visibility and potentially safer operating conditions for boats and specialized equipment.

Public safety context

Incidents involving river ice present distinct hazards compared with many lakes. Flowing water can create uneven ice thickness, and conditions can vary significantly over short distances, particularly near bends, inlets, and areas with changing current.

If you witness someone go through ice, call 911 immediately and avoid going onto the ice; rescuers recommend using reach-or-throw methods from shore when possible.

Key facts at a glance

• Location: Mississippi River near the University of Minnesota rowing club, Minneapolis
• Initial call: About 4 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026
• Response: Hennepin County water patrol with assistance from Minneapolis police and fire
• Outcome as of Friday night: Man not located; search set to resume at daylight Saturday
• Related incident: Adult woman attempting to help fell through ice, returned to shore, transported as precaution for cold exposure