Steve Wentz Drowns Friday In River

Twenty year old Steve Wentz of Blair drowned on Friday about 5 p.m. about ten miles northeast of Tekamah at Pelican State Park.

Wentz’ body was recovered Monday afternoon about 2 p.m. by Burt County Sheriff’s Deputy Jim Aronson and Nebraska State Patrolman Dick Blasse after law enforcement officials, Coast Guard and private individuals had searched all weekend. A plane was also called in Monday morning.

Wentz was celebrating his birthday with friends at the park Friday when he reportedly went to the end of the boat ramp and raised his arms in the air telling Brenda Devening and Tim Carson that he was drowning. The two allegedly believed that he was teasing, even after he told the two again that he was drowning.

He did not come back up after the second call, according to Burt County Sheriff Leonard Canarsky. Canarsky said that Carson dove in after him, but that he was unable to locate him.

An autopsy has been ordered, according to the sheriff.

Wentz is the son of the Charles Wentzes of Blair.

Note: The actual day and month of death has not been found, so the day July 1 was used in order to be able to enter the record.