FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 10, 2025

For More Information Contact:
Scott Williamson
Police Chief
660.785.6945

Kirksville emergency personnel respond to capsized boat at Hazel Creek Lake

(Kirksville, MO) - The Kirksville Police Department wants to update residents on an ongoing incident at Hazel Creek Lake.

On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at approximately 7:25 am, first responders were dispatched to Hazel Creek Lake in reference to a capsized boat containing three hunters. The Kirksville Police and Fire Departments arrived on scene and deployed watercraft to rescue the victims. 

Two of the three hunters were rescued from the water and transported to Northeast Regional Medical Center. First responders continue to search for the third victim. 

The status of the victims and their names are being withheld at this time for the integrity of the investigation and respect for the involved families. Hazel Creek Lake is closed and will remain closed while the rescue operation continues.  

Additional agencies involved in the incident response were the Missouri State Highway Patrol/Water Patrol, Adair County Rural Fire, Adair County Ambulance, Macon County Rescue Team, Mark Twain Behavioral Health, and others. 

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