On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at approximately 3:28 p.m., it was reported that an 11-year-old girl fell off the back of a boat on Lake Alexander in Lincoln County. She could not be located in the water.
Emergency responders from the Merrill Fire Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office were paged. The Lincoln County, Oneida County, and Marathon County Dive Teams were requested. The Wisconsin DNR plus Newbold and Pine Lake Fire Departments were also requested. All reported to the scene.
A search was immediately conducted with sonar. The girl was located; however, she was deceased. The body was recovered at 7:03 p.m.
No further information is being released at this time.
7-29-2025 UPDATE: CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CLAIMS CHILD'S LIFE
The 11-year-old girl who died in the boating accident is Maisy Livingston of Merrill, Wisconsin.
The investigation has led authorities to a suspected cause of death, which is carbon monoxide toxicity. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, "Maisy is believed to have suffered sudden loss of consciousness due to carbon monoxide toxicity, which caused her to fall out of the boat. Three other victims in the same boat were treated at various medical facilities for carbon monoxide toxicity. Their condition is considered stable, and they are expected to make a full recovery. An autopsy was performed on Monday, July 28, 2025. Preliminary findings indicated carbon monoxide toxicity to be a likely contributing factor to Maisy’s death. The investigation is ongoing; however, there does not appear to be any foul play or negligence involved at this time."
Police want to remind the public about a little-known boating hazard. Although uncommon, there are a number of documented incidents regarding carbon monoxide poisoning while boating. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be fatal. If a watercraft moves at a slow speed for an extended period of time, carbon monoxide can build up in and around it. Carbon monoxide can even build up in open air boats, which do not have an enclosed cabin area. Boaters should be aware of wind conditions and contributing factors to help avoid this potential hazard.