Update: Teen Boy Passes Away Following Markgrafs Lake Water Rescue
WOODBURY, MINNESOTA— We have learned that the 16-year-old boy who was rescued from the icy waters of Markgrafs Lake on December 2, 2024, after a multi-hour search, has sadly passed away. Authorities identified the teenage boy as Yahye Ali Abdi of Woodbury, Minnesota.
According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Abdi suffered a freshwater drowning after falling through thin ice at Markgrafs Lake near 721 Markgrafs Lake Drive. The incident occurred at approximately 4:28 p.m. during an attempt by bystanders and emergency personnel to rescue him. Abdi was recovered from the lake by divers after being submerged for almost three hours and was transported to Regions Hospital for critical care. Despite medical efforts, he passed away three days later, on December 5, 2024, at 5:23 a.m. at the U of M Fairview East Bank Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The manner of death has been ruled an accident by the Medical Examiner.
It was reported that after he fell in, people went out onto the ice to try to save him, including a 12-year-old girl who also fell into the lake. First responders were able to rescue her, but Adbi became submerged underneath the water and ice. Both were taken to local hospitals for further evaluation. The girl was reported to be in stable condition.
This tragedy occurred during one of two water rescues in Woodbury that day, prompting urgent warnings from local authorities about the dangers of thin ice. Earlier on December 2, an adult male was rescued from Wilmes Lake after a similar incident, though he survived.
Woodbury Public Safety, the lead investigating agency, has reiterated its message to avoid walking or playing on untested ice. As winter conditions evolve, residents are urged to prioritize safety by following ice thickness guidelines and staying vigilant around frozen bodies of water.
Cover Photo Provided by Erica Nilsson on Unsplash
Written by: Will Wight
