Grand Marais, MN (KROC-AM News) - The victim of the violent storms that hit Northern Minnesota over the weekend has been identified as the brother of First District Congressman Tim Walz.

The Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin issued a statement Monday afternoon expressing condolences to the Congressman and his family.

“The DFL was saddened to learn that Rep. Tim Walz’s brother, Craig Walz, was killed during the storms this weekend in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) while on a trip with his son. Craig, a beloved math and science teacher at St. Charles High School in Southern Minnesota, is remembered by his family, students, and community as an amazing husband and father, and outstanding teacher, a passionate mentor and loving friend.

“Craig’s son Jacob was injured in the same incident. We join with his family and friends and hope for a quick recovery. “The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Minnesota DFL are with Craig’s wife Julie, his daughter Avery, and all of Rep. Walz’s family as they go through this unthinkable tragedy.”

43-year-old Craig Walz lived in Rochester and was a teacher at St. Charles High School.. He was camping with his son and another person when the storm toppled a tree onto their campsite along Duncan Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Cook County Sheriff’s Department says Walz’s son was severely injured and was airlifted to a hospital following the storm.

A spokesperson for the Cook County Sheriff says the incident was reported around 10:30 Sunday night. About the same time, the Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of another man injured by a toppled tree at a lake in the same area of the BWCA near the Canadian border.

Information about that person’s condition, and the condition of the Congressman’s nephew is not yet available.

 

 

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