Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Search continues for missing visitor

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP — The search continued on Monday for a missing Wisconsin visitor who reportedly fell into the Black River and was swept over Rainbow Falls on Saturday, according to a press release from Gogebic County Sheriff's Office.

Stephanie Narvaez, 22, of Watertown, Wisconsin, and her companion, Karl Nelson, 22, of Milwaukee, were hiking in the area of Rainbow Falls on Saturday evening, according to the press release.

Narvaez was attempting to cross the Black River just above the waterfall when she lost her footing, slipped into the river and was carried over the falls, according to the release.

Nelson attempted, but was unable, to rescue Narvaez, said the release.

A dive unit from the Michigan State Police Marine Services Team conducted underwater searches in and around the falls late into Sunday evening but were unable to locate Narvaez.

Dangerous currents and treacherous underwater terrain severely hampered the search, the press release said.

Gogebic County sheriff deputies and members of county search and rescue services were at the scene Monday.

Troopers from Michigan State Police-Wakefield Post, and personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forestry Service personnel, and Beacon Ambulance Service were assisting at the scene.

The area in and around Rainbow Falls will remain closed until further notice, said the release.

—Daily Globe staff

 
 
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