Michigan State Police, Mackinac Island police, and Mackinac Island rescue personnel responded to the area near M185 and milepost 3.5 for reports of a person in distress in Lake Huron.
Witnesses reported that they had observed a paddleboarder in the water and she was yelling for help. The witness called 911 and then lost sight of the paddleboater. After being submerged underwater for a considerable length of time, the paddleboarder was located and pulled from the water by marine rescue and United States Coast Guard personnel.
Lifesaving efforts were started and the 22-year-old female from Mackinac Island was flown to Munson Medical Center in Traverse City where she died later that evening.
It should be noted that at the time of this incident, winds were high with whitecaps on Lake Huron, air temperature was approximately 52⁰F, and water temperatures were less than 57⁰F. Family has been notified.
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