Missing Wahpeton Man Found Dead in Sheyenne River

Authorities recovered the vehicle and body after a multi-agency rescue operation in Valley City.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:49pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a car key fob partially submerged in murky water, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigation into a tragic drowning incident.The recovery of a missing man's vehicle from a local river has raised troubling questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.Valley City Today

Officials in Valley City, North Dakota have located the body of a missing Wahpeton man, Al Odden, in the Sheyenne River. Odden's vehicle was found submerged in the river on Friday, but high water levels and strong currents prevented an immediate recovery. After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily reduced water flow, the vehicle was successfully removed, and Odden was found deceased inside.

Why it matters

The discovery of Odden's body in the Sheyenne River raises questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the public's assistance is being sought to gather more information about Odden's last known movements.

The details

On Friday, Valley City police officers located a vehicle submerged in the Sheyenne River near the 1300 block of Riverview Drive. Due to the elevated spring water levels and strong currents, the vehicle could not be safely recovered at that time. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was contacted and temporarily reduced water flow from Baldhill Dam to lower river levels, allowing for a safe recovery operation. This morning, the vehicle was successfully removed from the river with assistance from multiple local agencies, and Odden's body was found inside.

  • On April 1, 2026, Al Odden was reported missing.
  • On April 11, 2026, Odden's vehicle was located submerged in the Sheyenne River near Valley City.
  • On April 12, 2026, the vehicle was recovered, and Odden's body was found inside.

The players

Al Odden

A missing man from Wahpeton, North Dakota whose body was found in the Sheyenne River in Valley City.

Valley City Police Department

The law enforcement agency that located Odden's submerged vehicle and coordinated the recovery effort.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that temporarily reduced water flow from Baldhill Dam to allow for the safe recovery of Odden's vehicle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information about Odden's disappearance and death to contact the Valley City Police Department.

The takeaway

The tragic discovery of Al Odden's body in the Sheyenne River highlights the importance of thorough investigations into missing persons cases and the need for continued community cooperation to provide information that can help solve such incidents.