Authorities ID human remains found in Nemadji River

Authorities say human remains found in the Nemandji River in July belong to a missing Duluth man.

61-year-old Jeffrey Sjolander went missing in the spring of 2022.

On Saturday, July 15 at 1:30 pm, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office had received a 911 call reporting human remains found on the Nemadji River.

A family found the human remains, located southeast of the Soo Line ATV trail and Hwy 23 intersection while canoeing.

Deputies from the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office responded, as well as Carlton and Wrenshall Fire and Rescue staff and the St. Louis County Rescue Squad. With the help of the original 911 caller, deputies, fire and rescue staff were able to navigate the wooded terrain and ultimately locate the suspected human remains along the bank of the Nemadji River.

Sjolander’s next of kin have been notified of the identification

The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office say while the cause of death is unknown, no foul play is suspected.

The Carlton County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Duluth Police Department, Midwest Medical Examiners Office, St. Louis County Rescue Squad, and the Wrenshall Fire and Carlton Fire Departments