The ranger - 55-year-old Kevin Grossheim - had a family of three in his boat and was towing their craft to the mainland in brutal conditions when they capsized.

Flags are flying at half-staff in Minnesota and at national parks across the country for a Voyageurs National Park ranger who died trying to rescue a family of three.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — A park ranger died while trying to save three people during a water rescue at a national park in Minnesota.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. — The National Park Service (NPS) is investigating the death of a law enforcement park ranger after the ranger responded to a call for assistance from a distressed vessel. The ranger responded to the civilian vessel in distress on Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park, according to NPS.

Kevin was much loved by all and always known to go above and beyond,” said Voyageurs National Park Superintendent Bob DeGross.

Image via NPS A Minnesota park ranger didn't intend to lay down his life when he responded to a distress call of a trapped family. But rarely do heroes know when they're called. The park ranger died trying to save three people trapped on a lake Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota on Sunday,