Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig said Saturday night that the search for a missing duck hunter has been suspended with no further search operations planned unless new information is discovered.
Hartwig said in a news release that for the past three days, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue have searched tirelessly for the missing hunter, identified as 29-year old Joshua Lueptow of Manitowoc, in and around the Manitowoc River from Collins to Clarks Mills.
Despite efforts including drones, fixed-wing aircraft, divers, sonar, K9 and surface vessels the sheriff said he’s saddened to report they’ve been unsuccessful in locating the hunter.
Hartwig says in speaking with the Lueptow family they have been taken back by the love and support from the community but do ask for privacy during this tragic time.
The sheriff asks that any hunters and those visiting the Manitowoc River to be extra observant and notify his office if they discover anything out of the ordinary.
