Body Found in Mississippi River Identified as Missing Winona Woman

Police continue investigation into 72-year-old Patricia Sweningson's disappearance.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:04pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a personal item or fragment of evidence related to a missing persons case, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The discovery of a missing woman's body in the Mississippi River has sparked an ongoing investigation in the Winona community.Winona Today

The body of a woman found in the Mississippi River near the Trempealeau Dam in Winona, Minnesota on April 15 has been identified as Patricia Sweningson, a 72-year-old Winona resident who had been missing since March 26. While police have not identified any circumstances of foul play, the case remains an active investigation as they await further information from the medical examiner's office.

Why it matters

The discovery of Sweningson's body in the river raises concerns about her mysterious disappearance and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. As a longtime Winona resident, her passing is deeply felt by the community.

The details

Winona Police were notified by the Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office that the body recovered from the Mississippi River was identified as Patricia Sweningson. The body was originally located by the Winona County Sheriff's Office on April 15 and transported to the medical examiner. Winona Police have been investigating Sweningson's disappearance since March 26, but have not identified any evidence of foul play so far.

  • The body was found in the Mississippi River near the Trempealeau Dam on April 15, 2026.
  • Sweningson was reported missing by Winona Police on March 26, 2026.

The players

Patricia Sweningson

A 72-year-old Winona resident whose body was found in the Mississippi River.

Winona Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating Sweningson's disappearance and the discovery of her body.

Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner's Office

The office that performed the autopsy and identified the body as Patricia Sweningson.

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What’s next

Winona Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sweningson's death and are awaiting further information from the medical examiner's office.

The takeaway

The tragic discovery of Patricia Sweningson's body in the Mississippi River has left the Winona community searching for answers and highlights the importance of thorough investigations into missing persons cases, even when foul play is not initially suspected.