Man, 71, drowns at Barron County dam while saving his grandson

A man, 71, drowned Saturday at the Mikana Dam in Barron County while rescuing his grandchild.

The Barron County Sheriff's Department said it was called to the dam at 2:36 p.m. after receiving a report that a man had gone into the water below the dam to help a child struggling in the water.

When authorities arrived, the boy was out of the water safely but the man was unaccounted for.

After an initial unsuccessful search of the area, the Chetek Fire Dive and Rescue Team was called in to assist. The Mikana Dam was closed during the search, with the dive team eventually recovering a body.

Authorities then learned that the man was the boy's grandfather, and he had taken his two grandchildren fishing and swimming in the area.

Both kids were wearing life jackets, but when one struggled, he went in to help the kids get to shore.

Note: The details provided in this story are based on law enforcement’s latest version of events and may be subject to change.