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Posted: Tue 12:31 PM, Jan 15, 2013
Reporter: Andie Adams Email
Updated: Thu 4:26 PM, Jan 17, 2013

Man rescued after falling through ice on Colorado River

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MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KKCO) – A man's life is saved after rescue crews pull him from the icy waters of the Colorado River.

A 60-year-old man was hunting with his dog Tuesday when the animal fell through the ice while trying to retrieve a duck. His owner chased after his pet and freed it, but he in turn broke the ice and slipped into the water, according to Lower Valley Fire Chief Frank Cavaliere.

Another duck hunter called 911 around 12:15 p.m. near eastbound I-70 at mile marker 22.

For about 25 minutes, the stranded man hung onto the edge of an ice shelf with his leg outside the water as about 20 Lower Valley and Grand Junction firefighters figured out how to rescue him.

Crews tried to paddle a boat out to the man, but the ice made it impossible. Instead, firefighter Ryan Jordan swam out alone and helped him out of the water.

The hunter walked away from the river and was taken to the hospital for hypothermia. Mike Page with the GJFD says he was seriously ill, but the man's family members say he is doing much better as of Wednesday morning.


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