Officials: Body of hunter missing for nearly a month found in Manitowoc River

MANITOWOC COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A hunter missing for nearly a month was recovered in the Manitowoc River.

On Oct. 29, the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office received a report that hunter Joshue Lueptow was in distress on the Manitowoc River Over the past several weeks, numerous search efforts were conducted to find him. 

On Nov. 23, a private search and rescue organization, Wing of Hope Wisconsin, found Lueptow's body using sonar equipment approximately five to six feet under water. The Manitowoc County Sheriff's Office Dive Team recovered his body that afternoon. 

Authorities say Lueptow's death is tragic and no foul play is suspected. 

Lueptow's family wished to pass along the message they are forever grateful for the volunteers, friends, and community who helped search for their loved one. 

"We sincerely appreciate the help of Wings of Hope Wisconsin for helping locate Joshua along with the countless number of private and public search organizations for their willingness and efforts to drop everything to assist with this search. On behalf of Manitowoc County and our Sheriff's Office, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of Joshua Lueptow," Manitowoc County Sheriff' Dan Hartwig wrote in a release.