On Sunday, July 24, 2016 at approximately 3:13 PM the Dunn County Communications Center received a report of a missing female that was last seen at the boat landing at Riverside Park along the Red Cedar River in the Town of Sand Creek. It was believed that she had entered the water. The Sand Creek Fire Department and the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene. The New Auburn Fire Department was also called to respond with an additional boat for assistance.
A land, shoreline, and water search and rescue operation immediately began. A Dunn County K-9 Deputy also assisted at the scene; other officers checked roadways and the Red Cedar River.
Sand Creek Fire Personnel onboard a rescue airboat located the female in the Red Cedar River downstream from Riverside Park. CPR and life-saving measures were conducted and the female was transported to a nearby landing zone for a rescue helicopter.
The victim was a 43 year-old female from New Auburn, WI; she was later pronounced deceased by the Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is believed that alcohol and the swift river current were contributing factors. The name of the victim will not be released at this time pending family notification.
The incident remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff also reminds everyone to use caution when participating in recreational activities on the water especially in areas of swift current.