St. Croix River drowning victim identified as Minneapolis dancer

Mary Divine, Pioneer Press
Updated ·2 min read

Authorities have released the name of the 26-year-old Minneapolis man who drowned last week at Afton State Park.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office says Jeremey Paulson drowned in the St. Croix River near the park’s campsite beach area.

Witnesses called 911 at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday to report a possible drowning. They said Paulson had been swimming 20 to 30 feet offshore in about 12 feet of water when they lost sight of him.

The Lower St. Croix Valley Fire Department located Paulson about 10:40 a.m. in about 18 feet of water, officials said. He was transported by ambulance to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where he was pronounced dead.

Paulson had arrived at Afton State Park that morning to go swimming, Chief Deputy Doug Anshutz said.

He started struggling, and a friend went out to try and help, Anshutz said. The friend “could only get halfway out to him before he had to turn back,” he said.

The St. Croix River at Stillwater was above minor flood stage – 687.4 feet – on Wednesday morning, and authorities urged people to use caution.

Friends and family have set up an online fundraising page at gofund.me/63820fc6 to help cover the cost of Paulson’s funeral arrangements and other unexpected expenses.

Paulson was “an artist of many talents,” according to the GoFundMe post. “He was a dancer, and he loved to teach others. He was also a yoga instructor. Most recently, he was aspiring to open a dance studio. He had many dreams.”

Paulson overcame many battles during his lifetime and was an inspiration to his friends, family and community, according to the post.

“Jeremey was so positive and so supportive to his friends and family,” the post states. “He had a heart of gold, even though he was going through battles of his own. Jeremey has touched so many lives and we want to be able to celebrate him in a way that would honor him.”

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