Iowa Man Drowns on Wapsipinicon River

Wylie Treadway, 52, of Wyoming, drowned on Oct. 7, when he and Douglas R Berkhoff, 60, of Davenport, fell overboard when their 14-foot flat bottom rowboat overturned in a backwater on the Wapsipinicon River.

The men had been fishing on a back water of the Wapsipinicon River located next to the bridge on county highway X 75, about three miles south of Wyoming.

According to the investigation, Treadway stood up, leaned on the same side of the boat as Berkhoff and the boat overturned putting both men in the water. Berkhoff grabbed a life jacket and swam to shore.

The Jones County Sheriff’s office was notified at approximately 11:15 a.m. Treadway was recovered about 90 minutes later.

The Jones County Sheriff, Anamosa and Oxford Junction fire departments, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources responded to the incident.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources. The DNR manages fish and wildlife programs, ensures the health of Iowa’s forests and prairies, and provides recreational opportunities in Iowa’s state parks. Just as importantly, the DNR carries out state and federal laws that protect air, land and water through technical assistance, permitting and compliance programs. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education.