Two teens hurt, one missing in Blue River Dam


Updated: Jun 06, 2014 5:59 PM EST
By David MacAnally - bio | email
EDINBURGH, Ind. - Divers are searching a body of water in Edinburgh after a report of a missing person in the water.

The Department of Natural Resources divers are at the Blue River Dam in Edinburgh. Officers say five teenagers were swimming near a low-head dam when one of them was swept over the dam. Two of the other teenagers in the group tried to help, but were caught in turbulent water at the base of the dam.

"I saw two bodies float downstream," said Roberts Jessie who heard calls for help in his shop coming from the river. "He had a hold of the girl and one of his friends had already gotten out and gotten a hold of the other person who was ahead of the girl downstream a little ways."

Two other victims were taken to the hospital after being pulled unresponsive from the water. Passersby performed CPR on the teens until medics could arrive. They were transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital before being flown via Lifeline to IU Health Methodist Hospital.

"It took two of us to pull him out of the water. His buddy was standing there holding him and the current was trying to pull them into the water. They were not responding to CPR. Couldn't get them to breathe, no pulse or anything," said Christopher Lloyd who pitched in to help.

Officers believe the third victim is still in the water and crews are conducting searches of the water and shore looking for signs of the missing teenager.

Police have not yet released the identities of the teenagers. All of the teens were students at Franklin Community High School. A vigil will be held at the high school's football field at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

The other two teenagers were able to get out of the water unharmed.

Rescue crews called it a painful lesson for all Hoosiers not go near falls - swimming or in a boat. The hydraulics created in those areas are simply too dangerous.