Milton man drowns at Cox Hollow Beach in Governor Dodge State Park

Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson reports that on Saturday evening (September 12), at approximately 5:45 the Iowa County Communications Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible drowning at Cox Hollow Beach in Governor Dodge State Park. Initial information provided to dispatch indicated that a preteen child had drowned. This was the information initially dispatched to responding personnel and was also shared on social media before responders were able to confirm the circumstances. Upon arrival and further investigation, it was determined that the victim was an adult male.


The victim has been identified as Jordan Allen, 25 of Milton. Allen had been snorkeling at Cox Hollow Beach when he went under the water. Family members and bystanders immediately took action to help, and lifesaving efforts continued as first responders arrived. Despite those efforts, Allen could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Iowa County Coroner’s Office. While responders were caring for Allen, two other individuals/bystanders at the scene required medical attention, prompting additional resources from Dodgeville EMS to respond. Both individuals were transported to a local hospital, where they were treated and later released.

Responding and assisting agencies included the Dodgeville Fire Department and EMS, UW Health Med Flight, Iowa County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Warden, Iowa County Coroner’s Office, and Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the family members and bystanders who immediately stepped forward to help, along with every first responder and agency that responded during a rapidly developing situation.