Jakob Bowerman

MARINETTE — Two male suspects are in custody after 13-year-old Jakob Bowerman passed away following a drowning incident in Marinette.

According to a Monday press release posted to Facebook from the Marinette Police Department, officers, EMS and fire rescue personnel were dispatched at approximately 1:33 p.m. on Aug. 20 to the area of the Government Pier in Marinette for a report of a person who may have been drowning.

Shortly after arriving, officers were able to see the victim and they entered the water from both sides of the Menominee River. An officer was able to retrieve the victim and was assisted by fire personnel to get the victim onto a rescue boat. Lifesaving efforts were immediately started as the victim was transported to the Menekaunee Boat Landing where EMS was staged. The victim was transported to Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area and later to St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay. The 13-year-old victim later died as a result of the incident on August 23.

Confirmed by his mother Taylor Singer, Jakob Bowerman was identified as the victim in the drowning accident. Rhiannon Singer, a cousin of Taylor, had posted an online GoFundMe fundraiser on Aug. 21.

“My cousin Taylor Singer is living every parent’s worst nightmare. Her sweet son, Jakob Bowerman, was in a tragic drowning accident. He has no brain activity and is currently on life support. Our family is devastated and rallying around her during this unimaginable time,” wrote Rhiannon in the fundraiser’s description. “We are asking for donations to help support Taylor and her family with the many unexpected expenses they are facing. Any amount helps and will go directly to her.”

Taylor Singer confirmed that Jakob succumbed to his injuries in a Facebook post at 8:25 p.m. on Aug. 23.

“Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately Jakob has succumbed to his injuries. He passed away at 6:20 p.m. Please talk (to) your kids about bullying(.) Jakob did not deserve this! Please please please keep us in your thoughts and prayers through this hard time,” wrote Singer on her Facebook page.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church-Wis Synod also shared an online GoFundMe created by a member of their community, where funds raised will be given to the family for financial support.

“On Aug. 20, 2025, the unimaginable happened to a fellow TLS family. Jakob, age 13, with a birthday coming up in a couple of weeks, suffered a drowning accident. Despite the heroic efforts of medical teams, he is now on life support, and doctors have shared the devastating news that he has no brain activity. His brother and sister are both TLS students. His family is devastated as they hold on to every precious moment with him. While they face overwhelming grief, the family is also met with unexpected financial burdens – medical expenses, travel, and the heartbreaking arrangements no parent should ever have to plan,” wrote the Synod on their Facebook page. “These fundraisers have been created to help lift some of that weight off their shoulders. Your donations will go directly toward supporting the family with medical, living, and memorial costs. Every donation, no matter the size, is a blessing. If you are unable to give, we ask that you please keep Jakob and his family in your prayers, and share this page to help spread the word. There are actually two GoFundMe links. The first is created by a fellow member of TLS and the second from a member of the family. Please feel free to use either.”

An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted today. As the result of the investigation a 16-year-old and 21-year-old male were taken into custody and charges have been referred to the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office for review. The investigation is ongoing and names are being withheld.

The Marinette Police Department was assisted by the Menominee Police Department, Marinette Fire Department, Menominee Fire Department, Marinette County Medical Examiner’s Office, Aurora Medical Center paramedics, Emergency Rescue Squad, Michigan DNR, Eagle III, and the Marinette County District Attorney’s Office.

For those interested in donating to the family, two online fundraisers have been set up, one by Rhiannon Singer and one by Kathleen Ehlers. They can be found at the following links:

• gofundme.com/f/rally-for-jakob-taylor-needs-our-help

• gofundme.com/f/support-for-jakobs-family-during-this-heartbreaking-tragedy

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.