Lake Superior drowning appears accidental

The death of an 18-year-old man whose body was found Monday in Lake Superior near Red Cliff is believed to be an accidental, with alcohol a probable factor.

The body of Marvin B. Charette III was spotted by a kayaker in the water of Lake Superior Monday afternoon, according to a release by Lt. Dan Clark of the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department.

It is believed that Charette was at a gathering of people near the cliffs on the shore of Lake Superior Saturday evening in Red Cliff. At around midnight the Red Cliff Police Department responded to a reported underage drinking party at this same location, according to Clark. When police made their presence known, Charette and a number of other people left the area in different directions.

The investigation indicates that during his departure from the area, Charette got too close to the edge of the cliff and fell. The preliminary autopsy indicates that the cause of death was drowning. There were other injuries consistent with a fall into rocks and, subsequently, Lake Superior.

The Red Cliff Police Department and Bayfield County Sheriff’s Department are continuing their investigation into the death of Charette. At this time, Clark stated, it is believed that the death was accidental and alcohol was probably a factor.

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