NEW AUBURN, WI — The Rusk County community is joined in a state of profound mourning following the recovery of 19-year-old Stanley Lang on Monday afternoon. The search for the New Auburn resident reached a tragic conclusion after he was reported missing over the weekend while fishing on Fish Lake. According to official reports from the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, search crews located and recovered Lang’s body at approximately 2:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026.
The incident began on Saturday, May 9, when the teenager disappeared while out on the water. His absence sparked an immediate and intensive multi-agency search operation that spanned several days of uncertainty. The recovery effort was a collaborative mission involving the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Chetek Fire Department Dive Team, and the specialized search organization Bruce’s Legacy. These teams worked alongside local volunteers to navigate the difficult conditions and provide closure to the family.
In a statement released following the recovery, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep gratitude to the agencies and community members who assisted in the search. They also extended their sincere condolences to the Lang family, acknowledging the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one at such a young age. Stanley, just 19 years old, was a valued member of the local area whose passing has left a significant void among those who knew him.
As the news of the tragedy spreads throughout New Auburn and the surrounding Wisconsin communities, friends and neighbors are gathering to offer prayers and support. Stanley is being remembered as a young man with a passion for the outdoors, whose life ended far too soon in a tragic accident. The local community stands in unwavering solidarity with his grieving family during this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.
