Contributed by Mike Feazel
Lake Monticello Water Rescue Squad Chief John Lye pulled an 80-year-old man from the cold water in Lake Monticello’s Jackson Cove Friday morning (Nov. 18), after the man was seen struggling in the water.
Police had received a call about an elderly man on Vine Ridge Drive that had apparently wandered away. Later, authorities received a call from a Vine Ridge resident saying he had seen a Ring video of an elderly man in the water. Lye, Rescue Chief Eddie Shifflett and others spotted the man in the water.
They used a nearby boat to try to rescue him, but the man was unable to grasp a rope, Shifflett said, so Lye jumped in and towed him to shore. The rescue personnel, plus LMOA Police Chief David Wells, wrapped the man in warm clothing and put him in a Lake Monticello ambulance. There was no immediate word on his condition.
“I want to personally thank you for your lifesaving effort today,” LMOA General Manager Tom Schauder emailed to the rescue personnel. “We are very grateful and fortunate to have such a dedicated, competent and professional First Responder Team!”
LMOA President Larry Henson said it’s great to see LMOA and the rescue personnel working together, adding “Special thanks to everyone involved in the rescue this morning!! I know the family is grateful!”
