Man drowns Saturday in Meramec River near Eureka

EUREKA, Mo. – A man drowned Saturday afternoon in the Meramec River near Eureka while attempting to rescue a woman in the water, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

MSHP has identified the victim as Bryan L. Wilson, 45, of High Ridge, Missouri.

The woman survived after help from two civilian floaters, according to a MSHP report.

The incident unfolded in the Meramec River around 1 p.m. Saturday near Missouri Highway 109.

Investigators say Wilson and the other woman were floating for some time, though took a break and left the floatation device on a rock. According to the MSHP report, the woman ended up in the river after that and began to struggle, and Wilson entered to water in an attempt to rescue her. He too began to struggle in the water.

Later on, two civilian floaters were able to bring the woman and Wilson to shore. Despite CPR efforts, Wilson was later pronounced deceased.

Several agencies responded to the scene to assist, including MSHP, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Eureka Fire Protection District and High Ridge Fire Protection District.

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