MASON COUNTY, Mich. — A 48-year-old Grand Rapids area man died after the canoe he was in with his brother and father overturned in the Pere Marquette River.
The Mason County Sheriff's Office identified him as Steven Borkowski. He was in the canoe with his 76-year-old father, John Borkowski, and his 45-year-old brother, Marc Borkowski. The three were canoeing on the river when the boat hit a log and overturned.
According to deputies, it happened just after 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 on the river just a half-mile west of the Scottville Boat Launch in Amber Township.
Steven Borkowski was found unresponsive further downstream. His family and first responders attempted CPR to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The sheriff's office said John Borkowski and Marc Borkowski were treated for hypothermia at an area hospital and have since been released.
Marc Borkowski gave 13 ON YOUR SIDE a statement, saying they were heading to their hunting spot upstream, which they've been doing for the last 20 years.
"He was an awesome father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He was an avid outdoorsman, loved his family and was an amazing cook. He worked at Pridgeon and Clay for nearly 18 years," Marc Borkowski said in a statement.
The case is still under investigation.
Family identifies victim
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