Michael Donahue and Wayne Ameskamp Obituary, DUBUQUE, Iowa — Two northeast Iowa men have died following a fatal boating collision on Molo Slough in Pool 12 of the Mississippi River near Dubuque. The victims were identified as 62-year-old Wayne Ameskamp of Dyersville, Iowa, and 61-year-old Michael Donahue of Bellevue, Iowa.
The collision occurred around 3 p.m. on October 3 while the group was traveling along the waterway. A 16-foot fishing boat carrying three passengers struck a submerged object beneath the surface, causing all three people aboard to be ejected into the river.
A third passenger, 62-year-old Sharon Ameskamp of Dyersville, survived the collision. After entering the water, she was able to swim to the east shore of the slough. Passing boaters later spotted her along the shoreline and assisted in her rescue.
Emergency dispatchers sent a multi-agency response to Molo Slough to assist with the search, rescue and recovery operation. Responding agencies included Iowa Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, Dubuque County Sheriff’s deputies and a Dubuque County conservation ranger, along with emergency personnel from the Key West Fire Department and East Dubuque Fire Department.
Following recovery efforts, officials confirmed that both Ameskamp and Donahue drowned after being thrown into the Mississippi River during the collision. Emergency personnel provided assistance at the scene while authorities secured the area and worked to establish what happened.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and local public safety authorities continue to investigate the boating incident. Investigators are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the submerged obstruction and the boat’s impact, as they work to determine the contributing factors.
Further information is expected as authorities complete their investigation and official report. The deaths of Wayne Ameskamp and Michael Donahue mark a tragic loss for their families and communities in northeast Iowa, and their lives will be remembered by those who knew them.