OKOBOJI — An elderly Iowa woman died Thursday after an apparent drowning at East Lake Okoboji, according to the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened June 18, 2026, near the Edgewater Plaza Condominiums in Okoboji.
Authorities identified the victim as Marsha Bax, 76, of Johnston, Iowa.
According to the sheriff’s office, Okoboji Police were initially called to Edgewater Plaza for a missing person report. At 5:37 p.m., a person walking the docks at Edgewater Plaza reported finding a person in the water.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation once authorities realized the incident involved a person in the lake. The Dickinson County Medical Examiner also assisted at the scene.
Authorities said foul play is not suspected. The incident remains under investigation.
East Lake Okoboji is part of the Iowa Great Lakes region, one of the state’s busiest summer recreation areas. The area draws boaters, swimmers, anglers, vacationers and lakeside residents throughout the season, making water safety a constant concern for emergency responders.
Drownings can happen quickly and quietly, especially around docks, shorelines and boat slips. Officials have not released further details about the circumstances that led to Bax being found in the water.
The sheriff’s office thanked the Dickinson County Medical Examiner, Okoboji Police, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, AP/O Rescue and Lakes Regional Healthcare Ambulance for assisting with the response.
The investigation remains ongoing.