Male drowns after saving grandkids

MIKANA - One person drowned after a water struggle below the Mikana Dam on Saturday, June 29.

According to the Barron County Sheriff's Department, the 911 Center received a call at 2:36 p.m. of an adult male who had gone into the water below the dam to help a child struggling in the water. The kids had gotten out safely, but the male was unaccounted for.

Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff's Department, along with the Birchwood and Rice Lake fire departments, Marshfield Medical Center ambulance, North Memorial Air Care helicopter and the Wisconsin DNR, all responded to the scene.

After a search of the area for the 71-year-old male was unsuccessful, the Chetek Fire Dive and Rescue Team was called in to assist. The Mikana Dam was also closed and during their search of the area, the male was recovered by the dive team and was found to be deceased.

Initial investigation shows the male subject (the grandfather) had taken his two grandchildren fishing and swimming in the area. Both kids were wearing life jackets when one of them started to struggle. The grandpa went in to help the kids, got them to where they could stand again and they made it to shore. For an unknown reason, the male went under and drowned.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time," said Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald. "Special thanks to all of the first responders who jumped into action to do all they could for the family."