The body of a 37-year-old father of three was discovered in a remote wooded area of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, following an extensive multi-agency search that began when he missed plans to attend a Green Bay Packers game with his brother.
Benjamin Berendsen of Green Bay, Wisconsin was last seen on November 26, 2024. His burgundy Chevrolet Suburban was found abandoned three days later on the shoulder of northbound Interstate 43, north of Silver Beach Road in the town of Belgium.
Law enforcement officers located Berendsen’s body at approximately 4:25 a.m. on December 4 in a heavily wooded area east of I-43 and north of Silver Beach Road. The area was described as swampy and difficult for investigators to access.
The five-day search operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and various search methods, including K9 tracking, drone surveillance, foot searches, and inspection of hunting blinds and outbuildings in the surrounding area. Authorities also tracked phone pings and interviewed individuals who had recent contact with Berendsen.
Hannah Canales, Berendsen’s sister, reported that the family faced initial challenges in getting him officially listed as a missing person in Brown County until December 3. “He was calling the kids every night and wasn’t – didn’t call that night,” Canales told media WISN.
Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Marshall Hermann confirmed there is no suspected foul play in the case, and no danger exists to the community.
Tyler Berendsen, the missing man’s brother, had expressed confusion about the location where the vehicle was discovered. “As far as I know, he’s not even familiar with that area where his truck was,” Tyler said. He added that his brother had been looking forward to attending the Packers game with him just days before his disappearance.
The investigation continues as a joint effort between the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office. The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office extended gratitude to Berendsen’s family, friends, and members of the public who provided information during the investigation.
