Sheriff: Man in Wisconsin drowns after going into the water to help his grandchildren
(WFRV) – Authorities in western Wisconsin say a man’s body was found in the water after he went into it to help his grandkids who were struggling.
According to the Barron County Sheriff’s Office, on June 29 around 2:30 p.m., a 911 call came in stating that a man went into the water below the Mikana Dam to help a child who was struggling in the water. The kids reportedly got out of the water safely, but the man was unaccounted for.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene and after a search of the area for the man was reportedly unsuccessful, the Chetek Fire Dive and Rescue Team was called to assist. The man was only identified as a 71-year-old.
The Mikana Dam was closed during the search of the area and the man was reportedly found by the dive team. He was dead, according to the release.
Authorities say the initial investigation shows the man took his two grandkids fishing and swimming in the area. Both of the children were reportedly wearing life jackets when one started to struggle.
The man went into the water to help the kids and got them to where they could stand, according to the release. For a reportedly ‘unknown reason’ the man went under and drowned.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Special thanks to all of the first responders who jumped into action to do all they could for the family.
Barron County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook
No additional information was provided.
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