56-year-old Annandale, Minn., man drowns in Big Swan Lake

KINGSTON -- A 56-year-old Annandale man was pronounced dead after his body was found floating around noon Sunday near Big Swan Lake on the county line between Meeker and Wright counties.

According to a news release from Meeker County Sheriff Jeff Norlin, Patrick Lynch had been fishing with his brother before the apparent drowning. The case remains under investigation, however, investigators believe Lynch fell into the lake and was taken by the current through a large culvert under a county road.

Deputies, along with a Wright County deputy, Dassel and Litchfield Rescue Squad personnel, the Cokato Ambulance, Allina Ambulance and the Life Link Helicopter responded to the call along 74000 County Road 21 in Kingston Township.

Lynch's body was found floating along the north side of County Road 21 and advanced life-saving measures were taken after he was taken ashore. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The person who called for emergency responders, Terrence Lynch, 57, of Ramsey, informed deputies he picked his brother, Patrick Lynch, up from his group home residence in Annandale, and drove to Big Swan Lake to fish alongside the road. Terrence Lynch stated that Patrick Lynch was fishing on the south side of County Road 21 in Big Swan Lake and he was fishing on the north side of the road in the flooded Collinwood Creek area. Approximately 15 minutes passed when Terrence went to speak with his brother. Terrence Lynch was unable to locate his brother and began searching for him. Terrence Lynch was able to locate Patrick Lynch floating in the water approximately 100 yards north of County Road 21 in the Collinwood Creek.