Body of Brett Wiesner, former Wave player pulled from Oconomowoc Lake



VILLAGE OF OCONOMOWOC LAKE (WITI) -- FOX6 News has learned the body of a 31-year-old Brookfield man has been pulled from Oconomowoc Lake.

Village of Oconomowoc Lake Police Chief Donald Wiemer tells FOX6 News the body is that of Brett Wiesner.

Milwaukee Wave owner Sue Black confirms with FOX6 News Wiesner is a former Milwaukee Wave player.

FOX6 News spoke with Wiesner's father, who says his son was on Oconomowoc Lake -- celebrating the Fourth of July with friends.

Wiesner's father says his son played soccer for the Milwaukee Wave, the Seattle Sounders and briefly in Brazil.

Wiesner's father says he was "a terrific son and a tremendous soccer player" who was "loved by a lot of people."



Village of Oconomowoc Lake police responded to the scene initially -- along with Waukesha County Sheriff's officials, for a boat search.

Eventually, the search became a recovery effort.

The Waukesha County Dive Team was called out -- and the Dive Team was able to recover the body around 1:45 p.m.

The initial call came in just before 4:45 a.m.

"Somebody had gone into the water swimming, and did not come out," Oconomowoc Lake Police Captain Andy Helwig said.

Chief Wiemer tells FOX6 News Wiesner and seven others were on a pontoon boat when two decided to go swimming.

Wiesner did not resurface -- and a search began to locate him.

"All the occupants of the boat basically said he was in the water and then they lost track of him," Helwig said.

Police say Wiesner was not wearing a life vest.

"Have your life jackets, If you're going to swim in the dark, maybe it's not a bad idea to have your life jackets around," Helwig said.

Wiesner's body will be taken to the Waukesha County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

Wiesner's family tells FOX6 News he was a hard worker -- dedicated to the sport he loved.

His soccer career began in high school. He was a star athlete at Brookfield East.

His success brought him to the University of Washington -- where he continued to play.

Wiesner most recently coached through the Brookfield Soccer Association.

Officials tell FOX6 News they are investigating exactly what happened.

Foul play is not suspected.



The Milwaukee Wave has issued the following statement on Brett Wiesner:

"The Milwaukee Wave is shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of former player Brett Wiesner.

Wiesner was a star player for Brookfield East High School and went on to make a name for himself at the University of Washington.

He played professional outdoor soccer for the Seattle Sounders and Harrisburg Heat before joining the Milwaukee Wave from 2006-2011.

Brett was part of the 2010-2011 Championship Team. 

“The entire Milwaukee Wave family is mourning the loss of one of it’s own,” said Sue Black. “He was a great guy on and off the field and our hearts ache for their family and friends.” 

“Brett was a great friend, teammate and person,” said Head Coach Giuliano Oliviero. “ I just saw him last week with my son Xavier and like always Brett was a positive spirit. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.” 

“Brett was one of the best local soccer players to come out of Milwaukee and even more of a great person,” said Assist Coach Nick Vorberg. “I will miss him greatly and the Milwaukee Wave will never forget him. I truly give my sympathies to his family and know nothing can be said in the time of grieving – except he is in a better place.” 

“Brett was so much fun to be around and everyone wanted to be around him,” said Forward Tenzin Rampa. “I will miss his positive energy and miss him more as close personal friend. Condolences to the entire Wiesner family.” 

“I’m just in shock,” said Office Manager / Camp Administrator Larry Sayles. “Brett came up through Milwaukee Wave Summer Soccer Camps before becoming a star. He always had a smile on his face even while dealing with an injury. He will definitely be missed to the Milwaukee Wave family and Milwaukee Soccer community.”

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates.