FARGO NEWS RELEASE - Fargo Fire and Fargo Police Conduct Water Rescue on Red River
Fargo Public Safety PIO Team
THE CITY OF FARGO | THE FARGO FIRE DEPARTMENT | THE FARGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03.02.2026
View this release online at FargoND.gov/NewsReleases.
Fargo Fire and Fargo Police Conduct Water Rescue on Red River
A 39-year-old Fargo man was pronounced deceased at a local medical facility after rescue crews removed him from the Red River
FARGO, NORTH DAKOTA – On Monday, March 2, around 2:35 p.m., the Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department were dispatched to the Red River near the Main Avenue bridge for a water rescue. Initial reports from witnesses stated an adult male was seen walking on the ice before falling through into the river.
Upon arrival, emergency crews immediately began search and rescue operations. At approximately 3:38 p.m., crews located the individual and removed him from the river. The male, identified as a 39-year-old Fargo resident, was transported to a local medical facility where he was later pronounced deceased. The individual’s name will not be released until after next of kin has been notified.
The Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department remind residents that as temperatures rise, river ice continues to weaken and deteriorate. It is also important to understand that river ice differs from lake ice. Because rivers have a constant current beneath the surface, the ice is often thinner, less stable and far more dangerous.
The Fargo Fire Department and Fargo Police Department were assisted on scene by the Moorhead Fire Department, Moorhead Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Sanford Ambulance.
This is an ongoing investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
- ### -
MEDIA CONTACT:
Public Safety PIO Team
Fargo Public Safety PIO Team
The following update is provided by Captain Matt Christensen of the Criminal Investigations Division:
The Fargo Police Department has identified the deceased individual as Trevor Stephens, a 39-year-old male who was a Fargo resident. This incident is still under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.