by Logan Gruber
Todd Steinke, vice president of the Centracare Health Foundation, died unexpectedly on Sept. 5 at Cable Lake, near Mentor in Polk County.
According to a press release from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation revealed Steinke was at Cable Lake with his family. Around 7:30 p.m., he dove into shallow water just off shore and hit his head, likely on the bottom of the lake.
Deputies responded to the scene, along with Mentor area first responders and Polk County emergency medical services. Life-saving measures were taken, but Steinke could not be revived. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy was performed by the University of North Dakota’s Forensic Pathology Laboratory, which revealed Steinke fractured his neck after diving into the lake.
Steinke was pulled from the water by two family members who were on shore and witnessed him dive.
Steinke, 47, of St. Cloud, is survived by his wife, daughter and numerous other family members.
According to his obituary, Steinke was promoted in August to his current position at CentraCare.