Posted: 7/3/02

New Brighton man drowns in lake

Branden Peterson
Staff Writer

Hundreds of sun-thirsty area residents on jet skis, pontoons, and fishing boats got a visual reminder Friday, June 28, of how quickly a summer afternoon of enjoyment on water can turn tragic.

At approximately 4:10 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a emergency call from boaters of a possible drowning on Forest Lake. Their fear would soon be confirmed.

At the time of the incident, the victim Brian Koch, 43, New Brighton and friend, Brian Pellerzi, 40, also of New Brighton, were reportedly drifting in the lake.

The pair had been drinking beer and getting in and out of the boat all afternoon, deciding to take dips in the lake to cool down on the hot summer day.

Pellerzi was relaxing in the boat, while Koch was in the water swimming. Away from Pellerziís attention, Koch vanished.

Still in the boat, Pellerzi attempted to use Kochís cell phone, but was unable to do so. He then tried flagging down two nearby boaters of the situation, and the 911 call was made.

Emergency rescue crews from Forest Lake, Scandia, and other local agencies raced to the lake access at Lakeside Memorial Park near the Forest Lake beachís gazebo.

A helicopter and several recovery boats scanned a mile wide area of the lake for the man.

Rescue efforts shifted to recovery at 5:50 p.m., and soon after the dragging process of the lake for the body began.

Finally at approximately 8 p.m., Kochís body was recovered in water 18 feet deep. The body was located a quarter-of-a-mile from the incidentís location, authorities said.

The drowning was the first in Forest Lake since June 13, 1996, and one of very few for Washington County this year, authorities said.

Chief Deputy Steve Potts agreed he is thankful for people using common sense that is leading to less problems.

ìItís been a real low number of responses weíve made this year. Itís been great.î

With the holiday, and warm weather continuing, Potts hopes people continue to be safe on the water.

ìJust make sure to use common sense. Youíve got to be safe. Make sure to use alcohol responsibly, and always wear a life jacket.î

The 4th of July is always considered a busy day on Forest Lake, and hopefully the tragedy of Brian Koch will be a reminder to use the lake as safe as possible over the holiday, Potts said.

Sheriff Jim Frank cautioned residents to take extra time during the busy holiday boating weekend and help avoid tragic accidents. ìWith their help we can have a safe boating season,î Frank said.

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