Family Shares New Details About Eveleth Man’s Death on Ely Lake

Eveleth, MN (MinnesotaNow) - The family of the 43-year-old Eveleth man who died following an incident on Ely Lake in northeastern Minnesota last week has identified him as Ryan Johnson and shared new details about the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.

Johnson's sister, Kristin Pessenda, reached out to Minnesota Now following initial reports of the incident to clarify what the family says happened that Tuesday afternoon.

Family Says Ryan Johnson Suffered Medical Emergency

According to Pessenda, her brother had taken his young daughter, Lily, out on the family's paddle boat to one of their favorite swimming spots on Ely Lake.

She said Ryan and Lily had initially worn life jackets while taking the paddle boat out, but took them off to swim and play in an area of the lake that was sandy and shallow, generally only two to three feet deep.

“When we last saw them, they were running and laughing and playing in the water,” Pessenda said.

The family says that sometime afterward, Johnson suffered a medical emergency that ultimately led to his drowning.

Pessenda said their father became concerned when he went to call them in for supper and saw only his granddaughter. He took a kayak out onto the lake and discovered Ryan underwater while Lily held onto him.

Ryan's father, with help from other family members, brought him to shore, where emergency responders attempted to resuscitate him.

Pessenda said she stood nearby as first responders worked on her brother for more than an hour. “But he was gone,” she said.

A Loving Father Who Loved the Outdoors

Johnson's family wants people to remember far more than the tragic circumstances of his death.

“He was a loving, kind-hearted man who loved his daughter more than anything else,” Pessenda said.

His obituary describes Johnson as a longtime Eveleth resident and a 2001 graduate of Eveleth High School. He was also an Eagle Scout with Troop 111.

Johnson loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. His sister said he would take every opportunity to be outside, whether that meant spending time fishing, hunting, or sitting around a campfire.

She also remembered him as an avid sports fan and a master of random trivia with a personality that could light up any room. “We will forever miss him,” she said.

Memorial Service Planned in Eveleth

Visitation for Ryan Mark Johnson will be held Friday, September 11, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth.

The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office and St. Louis County Sheriff's Office continue to investigate the incident.