LAKE CRYSTAL, Minn. -- Authorities in Blue Earth County confirmed Thursday that a 26-year-old man who was found dead in Lake Crystal this week was a homicide victim.

James Mervin Nibbe, 26, of Lake Crystal, died of a single gunshot wound.  His body was discovered by authorities Tuesday morning while they were responding to a robbery call.

While no one is in custody, authorities maintain it is an isolated incident and there is no risk to public safety.

Leslie Nibbe-Johnson, James's sister, released a statement from the family Thursday that said, "We have lost a husband, a son, a little brother, an uncle, a golfing partner, a hunting buddy and a best friend. Jim was an amazing and outstanding man - true, honest and big hearted. Jim loved life and always made you laugh. A gaping hole has been cut into out hearts and burns through our soles. Thank you for all of the love and support our friends and neighbors have provided. Please pray for our family and pray for answers."

Investigators said the evidence is still being collected and analyzed, and it will take time to get results from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's crime lab.

Anyone with information on the homicide is asked to call the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office at 507-304-4863.

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