Tragedy at Lake Belle Taine: 21-Year-Old Aiden Thompson Dies in Early Morning Drowning Incident
NEVIS, MN — The quiet community of Nevis was shaken in the early morning hours of Friday, July 19th, when a tragic incident claimed the life of a young local man at the popular swimming beach on Lake Belle Taine. According to a report from Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes, the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 2:23 a.m. reporting a possible drowning at the lake.
Emergency personnel, including deputies and medical responders, rushed to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found bystanders already performing CPR on the unresponsive male, later identified as 21-year-old Aiden Thompson, a resident of Nevis. Deputies and first responders immediately took over life-saving efforts, continuing CPR and other emergency measures until North Memorial Ambulance arrived. Despite all attempts, Thompson could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial investigation revealed that Thompson had been part of a small group that went swimming at the beach in the early morning hours. As the group was exiting the water, one individual jumped off the end of the dock and unexpectedly discovered Thompson floating face down nearby. The group immediately pulled him from the water and began CPR while emergency services were en route.
Further details emerged following an autopsy, which concluded that Aiden Thompson’s cause of death was a cervical spine fracture—a severe injury to the neck that likely occurred just before or during his time in the water. The exact circumstances leading to the fatal injury remain under investigation by the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office.
The tragic news has left the close-knit community of Nevis in mourning. Friends and neighbors have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a young man known for his kindness, gentle spirit, and love for the outdoors. Aiden Thompson, described by many as a fun-loving and loyal friend, had grown up in the area and was a familiar face around town.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, questions remain about how exactly the injury occurred and whether any environmental factors, such as low water depth or submerged objects near the dock, may have contributed to the accident. Officials are expected to examine the conditions at the site in more detail and urge swimmers to remain cautious, especially when entering lakes at night or diving into unfamiliar waters.
Sheriff Aukes emphasized the importance of water safety and issued a heartfelt reminder to the public: “This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aiden’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We urge everyone to use caution around water and avoid nighttime swimming, especially when visibility is low.”
The tragic death of Aiden Thompson is a devastating reminder of how quickly joy can turn to heartbreak. As the town of Nevis grieves, plans for a memorial are underway, allowing loved ones to come together and honor the memory of a young man taken far too soon.
The Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident and is asking anyone with additional information to come forward.