Authorities rule Dan Zamlen's death an accidental drowning
The Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office ruled that University of St. Thomas freshman Daniel Zamlen's death earlier this spring was "accidental" and the cause was "fresh water drowning."
St. Paul Police Department spokesperson Paul Schnell announced the medical examiner's determination last Wednesday. He said that in accordance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act, the details of Zamlen's autopsy report will not be released to the public.
Zamlen, of Eveleth, was last seen at an off-campus house party on St. Clair Avenue in the early hours of April 5. His body was recovered May 1 from the Mississippi River at the Ford dam. More than 1,200 volunteers from St. Thomas, the Twin Cities and northern Minnesota took part in a search that spanned 27 days.
"The care, concern and efforts of the hundreds of volunteers and well-wishers during the search for Dan serves as a powerful reminder of the value of a supportive community," said Colleen Luna, the St. Paul Police Western District senior commander who became well-acquainted with the Zamlen family and St. Thomas officials during the search. "The tragic death of a child is any parent's worst nightmare; our thoughts are with the Zamlen family."
Dan's parents, Sally and Dale Zamlen, expressed gratitude many times for all the search efforts and the support from the police, community and university.
