Sioux Falls man found dead in lake

MONTROSE — A 57-yearold Sioux Falls man was found dead Sunday morning in Island Lake just east of the McCook County line and northeast of Montrose.

James Koupal headed out from Sioux Falls to go waterfowl hunting with his dog early Saturday morning, and when he was not heard from again, a missing person report went out.

The initial report went out to the McCook County Sheriff ’s Office, and Minnehaha County was asked to assist.

The crews worked through the night Saturday to try and find Koupal. They finally spotted his shotgun on the bank and his body was found in the lake.

According to Sgt. Pete Jaros of the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, it is unknown if Koupal died of hypothermia or drowning.

“We can only speculate because there were no witnesses, but it appears that maybe his hunting dog went out on the ice and fell through,” Jaros said. “It appears he may have gone out to try and save the dog.”

Koupal’s vehicle was found in the public hunting area parking lot on Island Lake just west of where his body was found.

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