According to Drake University officials, the boater who drowned in Robert’s Creek at around 6:40pm Saturday night has been identified as Dean Allen Hoganson, a retired Professor of Biology at Drake University. Hoganson was launching his boat when the drowning occurred. A family who was boating came upon the empty boat drifting in the water, and the truck still parked on the ramp. The body of Dean Allen Hoganson of Des Moines, was found floating face down around 100 yards off shore by first responders arriving to the scene. Rescue efforts proved unsuccessful and Hoganson was pronounced dead at the scene. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Marion County Conservation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pella EMS personnel responded to the scene. No foul play is suspected but the case is still under investigation. This is the second drowning at Lake Red Rock this summer.

A search of Hoganson’s publications shows he had diverse research interests, including publications on the bacteriological quality of Lake Red Rock and the Des Moines River. KNIA/KRLS will bring you more information when it becomes official.