A tragic hunting expedition in the remote lands of south-central North Dakota ended in heartbreak after a Minnesota man drowned while bravely attempting to save his loyal dog trapped in icy waters. On November 12, 30-year-old Christopher Hendricks of Champlin, Minnesota, lost his life in a heroic effort during a hunting trip near the Eszlinger Waterfowl Production Area, located just north of Ashley.
That morning started like many others for the two hunters. Hendricks and his companion, Maxwell DiVenere, were on a routine duck hunt when they successfully downed a bird about 100 yards from the shoreline. Following standard practice, they sent their hunting dog into the slough to retrieve it. However, what began as a normal task soon escalated into a dire emergency.
As the dog approached the fallen bird, it became trapped beneath a thin layer of newly formed ice, unable to move. Without hesitation, Hendricks stripped off his heavy outer garments to reduce drag and swam into the freezing water. He reached the distressed dog and turned it toward the shore, determined to bring him to safety.
DiVenere, recognizing the danger unfolding before him, quickly entered the water to assist. He successfully pulled the dog toward land. But Hendricks, overwhelmed by the frigid water and exhaustion, struggled to stay afloat. Despite DiVenere’s efforts to hold onto him, Hendricks slipped below the icy surface.
Once back on land, DiVenere, himself suffering from cold exposure, placed a desperate call for help around 12:55 p.m. First responders—including the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office, Ashley Ambulance, and Ashley Fire and Rescue—swiftly mobilized to the remote site.
The Stutsman County Dive and Rescue Team soon joined the effort in increasingly deteriorating weather. Conditions were treacherous—poor visibility, unstable ice, and freezing temperatures severely hampered the search. Using sonar-equipped underwater vehicles, the team searched tirelessly until 10:20 p.m. The recovery resumed the next morning at 10:15 a.m., assisted by drone support from the Stutsman County Drone Team.
At approximately 1:50 p.m. on November 13, rescue personnel located and recovered Hendricks’ body about 40-50 yards from the shore. His death, witnessed by his friend, was officially ruled a drowning with no foul play involved. An autopsy was deemed unnecessary by the State Forensic Examiner’s Office.
Sheriff Steven Delzer of McIntosh County praised the teamwork and resilience of the responders. Numerous agencies including the ND Game and Fish Department, Wishek Police Department, ND Highway Patrol, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service lent their support. Volunteers—firefighters, EMS personnel, and drone operators—came together seamlessly in an outpouring of communal compassion.
The operation extended beyond just emergency personnel. Local residents supplied warm meals, blankets, and other vital assistance. Off-duty nursing staff were summoned and stood ready at Ashley Medical Center, while a local pastor provided spiritual support on the second day. The collaborative effort exemplified a rural community coming together in the face of heartbreak.
Hendricks’ family, including his parents, two uncles, and close friends, remained at the scene throughout the ordeal. In the face of sudden tragedy, Hendricks’ mother reportedly expressed her deep appreciation to responders, acknowledging the extraordinary care and professionalism shown during recovery efforts.
The bond between humans and their dogs is often described as unbreakable. In Christopher Hendricks’ final moments, he demonstrated unshakable courage and love. Sacrificing his life for his beloved companion, he leaves behind a legacy defined by selflessness, bravery, and the enduring connection between a man and his dog.
As the cold winds of North Dakota sweep across frozen lakes this winter, the memory of Hendricks’ valor will not be forgotten. He is remembered not only as a hunter but as a hero—one whose last act was a fearless attempt to save a life other than his own.
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