Two people rescued from water in Barron County

BARRON — Two people were pulled from the water near Chetek on Saturday, according to the Barron County Sheriff's Department.

The Barron County 911 Center received calls at 9:10 p.m. Saturday about two subjects falling into the water near the docks at Lakeside Cantina.

"One of the subjects was immediately located and pulled from the water, the other subject remained missing," wrote Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald.

The first subject, age 58 from La Crosse, was treated at the scene and released.

When first responders arrived at the scene, they located and pulled out a 63-year-old male from La Crosse, and lifesaving measures were conducted. That person was flown to Mayo Clinic Health System hospital in Eau Claire and is considered in critical condition.

The initial investigation shows one male subject was attempting to get into a boat from the dock and fell in. When he did not surface another male subject jumped in to locate him, began to struggle, and was assisted out of the water with the help of bystanders. The Wisconsin DNR and the Barron County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this incident and alcohol is a contributing factor, Fitzgerald wrote.

Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department along with the Chetek Ambulance, Chetek Fire Department, WI DNR, Chetek Police Department, Marshfield Medical Center Ambulance and Mayo Helicopter all responded to the scene.

Fitzgerald praised the staff at Lakeside Cantina for their assistance and help in rendering aid.