Canoer rescued Sunday from East Fork White River
A man trying to rescue his canoe from the flooded East Fork White River needed rescuing himself Sunday night in Jackson County.
Indiana conservation officers say 59-year-old Jerry Cash was saved from the floodwaters Sunday evening near County Road 300N and the Shieldstown covered bridge. Deputies were called in after a witness heard the man screaming at about 7:42 p.m. Sunday evening.
Deputies discovered Cash hanging onto the branches of a downed tree in six to eight feet of swiftly moving water in the river. Officers say the river was extremely dangerous with high and fast floodwaters and large amounts of debris.
Deputies tried to reach Cash with a throw bag line, but he was too far from the bank. Indiana conservation officers and deputies arrived with boats and Cash was rescued at about 8:15 p.m.
Conservation officers say that Cash was trying to retrieve a canoe from property he owned along the river but while attempting to paddle downstream, the canoe capsized and he was stranded. Officers say he was not wearing a life vest at the time.
Cash was taken by paramedics to Schneck Medical Center to be evaluated.
Agencies on scene included the Jackson County Sheriffs Department, Brownstown Police Department, Brownstown Volunteer Fire Department , and Jackson County EMS.