The Wabasha, Minnesota, community is mourning the tragic loss of Ashley Monson, 37, Manuel De Angel-Sola, 52, and Nicholas Loechler, 46, who died following a devastating boating accident on Lake Pepin late Saturday night. The heartbreaking incident has left family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors grieving the loss of three respected community members.
According to a joint update from the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office, the three victims were among six people aboard a pontoon boat that collided with a commercial barge on Lake Pepin. The collision triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation involving emergency agencies from both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Emergency Response Began After Distress Call
Authorities reported receiving a 911 call late Saturday from people on the lake who heard individuals screaming for help. Emergency responders were dispatched to the area near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island, where they located an overturned pontoon boat just offshore.
Three occupants were found clinging to the overturned vessel and were safely rescued. The survivors informed rescuers that three additional passengers were missing, prompting an extensive overnight search involving rescue boats, helicopters, drones, and specialized search teams.
The United States Coast Guard joined the operation after being notified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to alert other boaters while assisting with the coordinated search effort.
Search Ends in Tragedy
Despite the efforts of multiple responding agencies, authorities later recovered the bodies of the three missing passengers.
Ashley Monson, Manuel De Angel-Sola, and Nicholas Loechler were pronounced dead by the Pepin County Medical Examiner. Their remains were transported to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office in St. Paul for further examination.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation into the collision, with assistance from the Pepin County and Wabasha County sheriff’s offices. Officials have not yet released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities also emphasized that although the incident occurred near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island, no campers or camp staff were involved.
Community Mourns Three Lives Lost
News of the tragedy has deeply affected Wabasha and neighboring communities, where the victims were known as friends, family members, coworkers, and valued residents.
In a statement following the accident, the City of Wabasha expressed its sorrow over the loss.
“Over the weekend, we lost three exceptional community members in a tragic boating accident. They were colleagues, friends, neighbors. We are grieving this terrible loss, with the three survivors, their families, loved ones, and friends.”
Remembering Ashley Monson
Ashley Monson is remembered as a compassionate and kind-hearted woman whose warmth and generosity touched many lives. Friends describe her as someone who always made others feel welcome and whose positive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her passing has left family and loved ones heartbroken as they reflect on the many cherished memories she created.
Remembering Manuel De Angel-Sola
Manuel De Angel-Sola is being remembered as a respected member of the Wabasha community whose dedication, dependability, and devotion to family and friends earned him widespread admiration. Those who knew him recall his strong work ethic, caring nature, and willingness to support others whenever needed.
Remembering Nicholas Loechler
Nicholas Loechler is also being remembered for his kindness, generosity, and genuine friendship. Loved ones describe him as someone who valued relationships and approached life with compassion and sincerity. His loss is being deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Support for the Families
Since news of the accident spread, an outpouring of condolences has come from across southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Local governments, emergency service agencies, and neighboring communities have shared messages of sympathy and support for the victims’ families and the three survivors.
Organizations including the City of Lake City, Elgin Minnesota Volunteer Fire Department, Goodview Fire Department, and Alma Fire Department have extended their condolences while recognizing the tremendous impact the tragedy has had throughout the region.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Investigators continue working to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal collision between the pontoon boat and the commercial barge. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has indicated that the investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
As Wabasha mourns the heartbreaking loss of Ashley Monson, Manuel De Angel-Sola, and Nicholas Loechler, their memories will continue to live on through the families they loved, the friendships they built, and the countless lives they touched. Their passing represents a profound loss to the entire community, and they will be remembered with lasting love, respect, and gratitude.