MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop H Headquarters-3525 North Belt-St. Joseph, MO 64506
News Release
For further information please contact:
Sergeant Jacob P. Angle
(816) 387-2345, ext. 3847
H62917
June 29, 2017
EMPHASIS:
Water Rescue In Gentry County
On the morning of June 29, 2017, Troop H troopers, Missouri Department of Conservation officers, Gentry County Sheriff’s Department deputies, and area first responders successfully executed a swift water rescue of a male subject swept away in flood waters on 285th Street in Gentry County.
At approximately 9:07 a.m., on June 29, 2017, Troop H received a request for assistance from the Gentry County Sheriff’s Department reference searching for a male subject in flood water on 285th Street west of Route B in Northwestern Gentry County. The subject was sighted in flood waters clinging to a tree that was above water level. A trooper equipped with swift water rescue gear entered the water and threw the subject a life jacket and rope to ensure his safety until a boat could arrive.
At approximately 10:08 a.m., Missouri Department of Conservation arrived with a boat. Two Missouri Department of Conservation agents along with one state trooper retrieved the 50-year-old male subject from the flood water. Further investigation revealed the male subject had been walking on 285th Street when he was swept into the flood water. The male subject refused medical attention.
Although this incident had a successful outcome, situations like this have ended in tragedy. Pedestrians should never attempt to wade through moving flood waters. Motorists are reminded that as little as 12 inches of water can cause a car to float and be swept away by the current. Drivers should remain aware of the fluctuating water levels of area creeks and rivers. Take a few extra minutes to drive around high water; it could save your life.
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