Burlington

Woman, would-be rescuer pulled from swollen river

She was taken to hospital after being pinned against log by raging current

An Elkhorn woman and a man who attempted to rescue her had to be pulled from the White River near Lyons by sheriff’s deputies Wednesday after capsizing in a swift current.

Walworth County deputies responded to a 911 call for help just before 4 p.m. The woman and the man had been tossed from their boats and were pinned up against a large log about a half-mile from Sheridan Springs Road, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

The woman, identified as Adriane M. Granlund, 29, of Elkhorn, was kayaking on the swollen river with three other area women when the raging current overturned her kayak and swept it down the river.

The man, Jim M. McKay, 48, of Lake Villa, Ill., came across Granlund while canoeing and attempted to help, but his canoe was eventually swamped by the current and he was also pinned against the log, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies using throw ropes and floatation devices were able to pull everyone from the water.

Granlund – who was showing signs of distress and the onset of hypothermia, according to deputies – was taken by ambulance to Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington for treatment.

An update on her condition was not available.

McKay and the three other female kayakers were checked out at the scene and released.

Sheriff’s officials warned people to be wary of the dangers of entering any fast-moving body of water.

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