VENTURA — Authorities are investigating after a body was found Wednesday afternoon in Clear Lake near McIntosh State Park.
According to the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 4:17 p.m. on May 13, 2026, to McIntosh State Park, located at 1200 E. Lake Street in Ventura, after receiving a report of a body located offshore in Clear Lake.
When responders arrived, they found a deceased male wearing fishing gear in the water just off shore, authorities said.
The Cerro Gordo County Medical Examiner responded to the scene and is conducting the initial death investigation. The man’s body is being transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for an autopsy.
Authorities said no sign of foul play was noted at the death scene.
The name of the deceased male has not been released pending notification of family members. More information is expected to be released after that notification is made.
UPDATE: The identity of the male found deceased on May 13, 2026 in Clear Lake by McIntosh State Park is John J. Rankin, age 70, a resident of Charles City, Iowa. This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released after autopsy results are received
The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. The agency was assisted by the Clear Lake Police Department, Ventura Fire Department, Clear Lake Fire Department, Clear Lake Fire Medics and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.