Area Man Drowns in Mississippi River

Authorities have identified a Southwest Wisconsin man as the victim of a weekend drowning on the Mississippi River.

Prairie du Chien police were notified shortly after 7:30am Sunday, of a possible drowning at the Campion Boat Landing in Prairie.

Witnesses told authorities that a man was swimming in the Mississippi River, around a pier at the boat landing. The man disappeared, and people at the river began a search.

The man, identified as 54 year old Donald Cavender of Prairie du Chien, was found submerged, under the pier.

He was freed and taken to shore by boat. Life saving measures were applied, and Cavender was taken to the local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

According to sources, a previous health history may have been a factor in the drowning.