MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE

284 State St., Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 287-8000 www.mefishwildlife.com

For More Information, Please Contact:

Mark Latti, MDIFW Communications Director, 207-592-1339 (cell) mark.latti@maine.gov

Game Wardens Recover Body Of Missing Oregon Man In Swan Lake

SWANVILLE, Maine – Maine Game Wardens recovered the body of a missing Oregon man in Swan Lake at approximately 2:45 this afternoon.

Christopher N. Friedrich, age 41 of Springfield, Oregon was located in approximately 30 feet of water about a half mile north of the Swan Lake boat launch by Maine Warden Service divers who were being towed by the dive boat slowly along the bottom of the lake.

The recovery marked a culmination of six days of actively searching the lake for the missing man. Game Wardens utilized sonar, divers, aircraft, and Maine Warden Service cadaver scent search dogs in locating Friedrich. The Maine State Police Dive Team also assisted in the search, as well as a Maine Marine Patrol airplane.

Friedrich was first reported missing on Tuesday, June 8 to the Waldo County Sherriff’s Department around 4pm yesterday by his girlfriend. Working with Waldo County Sheriff’s Office, Maine Game Wardens were able a locate and interview a campowner who had seen a kayak floating upside down on the lake Sunday morning, June 6. The kayak was later traced back to Friedrich, and Friedrich’s vehicle was located at the Swanville Boat Launch. Friedrich last contact with family members was Saturday evening June 5.

Wardens focused their search near the area when the kayak was found, and mapped out an area to search based upon the recorded wind direction the day he went missing. Game Wardens searched for six days before finding him today. Friedrich was transported to the Ripasta Funeral Home in Belfast.

The Maine Warden Service was assisted by the Maine State Police dive team, the Waldo County Sheriff’s office, and Maine Marine Patrol. Also, numerous lake campowners helped the warden service by allowing them to utilize dock space to moor boats overnight; and the Swan Lake Grocery store was also very accommodating to searchers during the six-day search.