safety
3 killed in pontoon crash, including 2 firefighters, authorities say
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
WABASHA, Minn. (WEAU/Gray News) — A Minnesota community is in mourning after a pontoon crashed into a commercial barge over the weekend.Three people were killed in the tragic accident on Lake Pepin, which is on the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.Two of the victims were mem...
Key takeaway The victims have been identified as Ashley Monson, 37; Manuel De Angel-Sola, 52; and Nicholas Loechler, 46.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The tragic pontoon crash on Lake Pepin, resulting in the loss of three lives, including two firefighters from the Wabasha Fire Department, resonates deeply with Nashville 's own community of first responders. As Nashville's residents and visitors enjoy the city's numerous lakes and waterways, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can occur on the water, even for those trained to respond to emergencies. The fact that two of the victims were firefighters highlights the risks that these individuals take, both on and off duty. In Nashville, where community events often involve water-based activities, the importance of water safety and emergency response preparedness cannot be overstated. As the investigation into the crash continues, Nashville's own water safety protocols and emergency response plans may come under review, with a focus on preventing similar tragedies from occurring on the city's own waterways.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WABASHA, Minn. (WEAU/Gray News) — A Minnesota community is in mourning after a pontoon crashed into a commercial barge over the weekend.Three people were killed in the tragic accident on Lake Pepin, which is on the Mississippi River along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border.Two of the victims were mem...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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