By Trey Mewes, Mankato Free Press

The brother of U.S. Rep. Tim Walz of Mankato was found dead in northern Minnesota Sunday after a severe storm went through the area where he and his son were camping.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Craig Walz, 43, died during a storm that hit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Craig Walz was camping with his son, Jacob, and a few other people on Duncan Lake when a white pine tree fell, killing Craig Walz and injuring his son.

Law enforcement officials were notified at 10:25 p.m., and staff from nearby Camp Menogyn helped the two unhurt campers rescue Jacob. Jacob sustained significant injuries from the tree fall, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officers retrieved Craig Walz’s body early Monday morning after the weather and water conditions calmed.

Craig Walz was a high school chemistry and math teacher for St. Charles Public Schools, near Rochester. He also served as a football coach and Math League adviser.

Tim Walz was a teacher and coach at Mankato West before becoming the 1st District representative.

St. Charles High School Principal Ben Bernard said Craig Walz went above and beyond his job to be a mentor to students.

“He always had a smile and really, really worked hard to help the kids who maybe didn’t like science and math enough,” Bernard said.