Lincoln man drowns at Cottonwood Reservoir near Prague

SAUNDERS COUNTY, Neb. (KLKN) — Around 9 p.m. on Aug. 23, Saunders County Dispatch received a report of a drowning at the Cottonwood Reservoir near Prague.

Deputies and Prague Fire and Rescue were dispatched. Upon arrival, officers began searching the scene for the male party.

A drone pilot with the Sheriff’s Office launched a drone to grid search the scene. During the preliminary search, rescue personnel were unsuccessful.

Multiple rescue teams responded to the scene for help including Valparaiso Fire and Rescue, Malcolm/Raymond Water Rescue and Waterloo Water Rescue.

Using divers and sonar from a Waterloo rescue boat, the individual was located and recovered.

The victim was identified as Derek Mueller, 43, of Lincoln. Mueller was pronounced deceased today at 1:03 a.m.

The investigation currently indicates that the victim was swimming out into the water to retrieve a fishing lure.

The investigation is ongoing and an autopsy has been ordered according to Saunders County Sheriff’s Office.