Overview

• The incident occurred overnight into Sunday, October 12, in the area of Iserlohn on the Ruhr.
• Initial police findings indicate the man fell into the river after losing balance while urinating at the bank.
• His companion tried to rescue him immediately and then searched by canoe but could not locate him.
• Fire brigades mounted a large response with boats, drone teams and crews along bridges, and a drone detected a thermal signature in the water.
• A boat crew recovered the man, an emergency doctor confirmed his death at the scene, and police say their inquiry is underway with no indication of third‑party involvement.