Family members, friends, and members of the Wabasha, Minnesota, community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Ashley Monson, 37, whose life ended following a tragic pontoon boat crash on Lake Pepin on July 11, 2026.
Ashley was one of three beloved Wabasha residents who lost their lives in the devastating boating accident that has left the community grieving. The incident began late Saturday night when the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting people calling for help from the waters of Lake Pepin. First responders later located an overturned pontoon boat near the YMCA Camp on Deer Island, where three survivors were found clinging to the vessel.
A large-scale search-and-rescue operation followed, involving law enforcement, fire departments, emergency agencies from Minnesota and Wisconsin, rescue boats, drones, helicopters, and specialized equipment. Despite the tireless efforts of first responders, Ashley and the other missing boaters were later found deceased.
According to Wabasha Mayor Brian Quinn, two of the victims were members of the local fire service family, a loss that has deeply affected fellow responders and the community they served.
Ashley will be remembered for the life she lived, the love she shared, and the memories she created with the people fortunate enough to know her. Her presence brought joy and meaning to the lives of her family, friends, and neighbors, and her absence leaves behind a pain that words cannot fully describe.
As loved ones face this unimaginable loss, they are surrounded by prayers, compassion, and support from a community standing beside them. Though Ashley’s life ended far too soon, the impact she made and the memories she left behind will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.
May her family and friends find comfort in the cherished moments they shared with Ashley and strength during this difficult time.
Ashley Monson will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.
