Milwaukee River search in Thiensville, man missing

THIENSVILLE, Wis. - Crews in Thiensville are working to recover the body of a man who went missing in the Milwaukee River on Wednesday night, June 5.

A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources sonar device was among the resources used as searches resumed Thursday. While crews have launched from Village Park and searched the nearby dam, officials have not ruled out the possibility that the man is downstream.

Southern Ozaukee Fire Capt. Joel Deutsch said the man fell into the river around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. He said witnesses reported the man was walking his dog near the boat launch when the dog went in the water, and the man went in after it. 

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The recent rain has increased the river's water level by more than three feet. It has resulted in some minor flooding, and the increased water speed has impacted visibility for dive teams.

"Certainly the speed of the water makes the search more difficult as well as the location being at the dam," Deutsch said Wednesday. "It creates a boil effect which makes it very difficult and has turbulent waters in the area."

Officials urged anyone who comes to the park to be respectful of the man's family, who has been present amid the ongoing effort to recover his body.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.