Minnesota State Patrol trooper drowns in South Dakota lake

WEBSTER, S.D. (KVRR: UPDATE 07/02/25) — Day County Sheriff’s Office is providing new details on what happened to a Minnesota State Trooper that drowned on Waubay Lake.

They responded to the lake late Sunday night on a report of a female who had been boating and had gone into the water and was no longer seen.

A number of agencies responded to search for the woman but it was called off as severe weather moved in.

Early Monday morning when the search resumed, they found the woman’s body.

She was later identified as Mollie McClure of St. Joseph, Minnesota.

Through the investigation it was learned that McClure had gotten out of the boat in the northeast part of the lake to go swimming.

At some point she went under the water.

The sheriff’s office says all parties have been cooperating with the investigation are no charges have been filed.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) – A trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol has drowned on a northeastern South Dakota lake.

The State Patrol says trooper Mollie McClure drowned Sunday afternoon on Waubay Lake. Her body was recovered on Monday.

Waubay Lake is southwest of Sisseton.

McClure joined the patrol in October 2021. She served in the patrol’s St. Cloud District.

McClure joined the agency in 2021 and served the St. Cloud district.

She also helped train trooper academy cadets and took part in a workgroup focused on increasing the number of female troopers.

McClure was also featured in a viral video in 2023 when she rescued a baby deer trapped in a roadside fence.

Her family is requesting privacy at this time.

“The Minnesota State Patrol extends its heartfelt condolences to Trooper McClure’s family, friends, and fellow troopers during this profoundly difficult time. The agency stands united in support and honor of her memory.”