Authorities have released the name of the 26-year-old Minneapolis man who drowned last week at Afton State Park.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says Jeremy Paulson drowned in the St. Croix River near the park’s campsite beach area.

Witnesses called 911 at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday to report a possible drowning. They said Paulson had been swimming 20 to 30 feet offshore in about 12 feet of water when they lost sight of him.

The Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department located Paulson about 10:40 a.m. in about 18 feet of water, officials said. He was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he was pronounced dead.

Paulson had arrived at Afton State Park that morning to go swimming, Chief Deputy Doug Anshutz said.

He started struggling, and a friend went out to try and help, Anshutz said. The friend “could only get halfway out to him before he had to turn back,” he said.

The St. Croix River at Stillwater was above minor flood stage – 687.4 feet – on Wednesday morning, and authorities urged people to use caution.

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