parks
Northern Minnesota woman found in ditch, sparking ‘suspicious’ death investigation
By Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
Itasca County authorities announced Friday they are investigating a Deer River woman’s “suspicious” death.
The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded on Thursday around 7 p.m. to a report of a woman lying in a ditch near County Road 39, near Deer River. Authorities identified t...
Key takeaway The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded on Thursday around 7 p.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The investigation into Rikki Skog's death is a stark reminder of the vast and often isolated areas that law enforcement must cover in northern Minnesota. Itasca County, where Skog's body was found, spans over 2,900 square miles, posing significant challenges for authorities as they work to gather information and piece together the events surrounding her death. The fact that Skog was last seen on July 15 and her body was not discovered until Thursday evening highlights the difficulties of conducting investigations in such a sprawling and rural area. As the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assists with the investigation, local residents are being asked to come forward with any information they may have, underscoring the critical role that community members can play in helping to bring closure to this case. The Itasca County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information to contact them directly.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Itasca County authorities announced Friday they are investigating a Deer River woman’s “suspicious” death.
The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded on Thursday around 7 p.m. to a report of a woman lying in a ditch near County Road 39, near Deer River. Authorities identified t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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