Cedar Rapids, Iowa: A former professional baseball player, Dakota Freese, has been identified as the man recovered from the Cedar River after a tragic incident near the Interstate 380 bridge. He was 33 years old and a native of Cedar Rapids.
Freese once played minor league baseball with the Staten Island FerryHawks and the Lexington Legends. People who knew him say he carried himself with pride on the mound and stayed connected to the game even after his playing days.
The incident happened in the late afternoon near the riverbank. Witnesses told first responders that Freese had been fishing in the area when he accidentally dropped some of his equipment into the water.
He reportedly entered the river to retrieve the items. But the current was strong. In moments, he was swept away and pulled under before he could make it back to safety.
Emergency crews were called at about 4:34 p.m. Police, firefighters, and water rescue teams rushed to the scene. A dive team from Johnson County Metro later joined the search effort as conditions remained difficult.
After hours of searching, rescuers located Freese around 7:10 p.m. He was found just a short distance from where he was last seen. Authorities confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene, and the case is being treated as an accidental drowning.
News of his death has shaken Cedar Rapids. Friends, family, and former teammates are remembering him as a dedicated athlete and a hometown figure who left a lasting impression both on and off the field.
