Body found in Maple Grove pond believed to be missing person

Late last week, Maple Grove Police announced that a deceased person was found in a pond where, weeks before, authorities had searched for a missing person.

“On April 11, at 2:20 p.m., the Maple Grove Police Department responded to a report of something suspicious in a pond near 80th Avenue and Lakeview Drive,” Maple Grove Police Commander Jon Wetternach said in a press release.

He also said the person is believed to be a recently reported missing person, Winston Drepaul. Drepaul was last seen leaving his apartment on the 11800 block of 80th Avenue in Maple Grove around 4:30 a.m. on March 23. According to police, Drepaul voluntarily left his home on foot without any personal belongings and without his prescribed medications.

In the April 11 announcement, it was noted the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol was called to the scene to assist Maple Grove police. “A deceased individual was found and recovered from the water,” Wetternach said.

Officers confirmed that the pond was the same one searched by Maple Grove police and the county sheriff’s water patrol on March 29 and 30. The searches were conducted via underwater technology, boats and an aerial search. At that time, evidence was not found due to challenging water conditions and poor visibility.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner are expected to identify the body, and determine the cause and manner of death.

“The loss of life is difficult and tragic for any family or community,” Wetternach added.