Angler killed at Genoa Dam

[Hot Rod Johnson]

Angler killed at Genoa Dam...

http://www.twincities.com/2017/04/05/fisherman-dies-after-boat-is-sucked-into-dams-churn-on-mississippi-river/

According to multiple reports, James Kenneth Freeman was killed on the Mississippi River after he was pulled into the roller gates of Genoa Dam.

Wisconsin DNR says the 52-year-old fisherman’s boat was anchored inside the marked restricted area within just 150 feet of the dam. He was told to leave the restricted area and followed orders, but pulled anchor before cranking the motor. By that time, the current was already pulling his vessel towards the dam.

The boat capsized and the current pulled him underneath the roller gates. Witnesses said that Freeman had a life jacket in the boat and was trying to put it on as his boat capsized.

Vernon County Sheriff John Spears told The Courier that this is a harsh reminder of the importance of using caution while on the water.

“Tragedies like this are unfortunate and should not happen,” Spears said.

The incident is still under investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

[Darren.]

Very sad...not sure what to say. Don't want to diminish

the tragedy...but be safe out there.

[Mikie9]

Always saddens me to hear of someones premature death. Poor soul, that is no way to go

 

Pay attention out there, captaining a boat isn't a game with safeties in place. One simple lack in attention can kill. Luckily it is fairly rare to be in a situation where a minor lack of attention will kill you, but NEVER forget it can happen.

 

steps off soapbox 

[lonnie g]

condolences to family .will be in my thoughts

[Bluebasser86]

Current below dams is incredibly powerful and this serves as a very harsh reminder how quickly things can go south on the water. 

[XpressJeff]

That's truly a shame. Condolences to the family and a reminder to all of us to wear that PFD.

[gim]

I heard about this on the local news this past week.

[SouthernBelleAngler]

So sad.  Praying for all involved.

[geo g]

This is now several incidents of boaters being killed at dam sites.  With high water and big releases we need to keep out of these areas and not risk the dangers!

[HawkeyeSmallie]

Was he above it or below the dam?

 

Moving water is so powerful, never underestimate it.

[jr231]

The area is marked off for a reason ! I'm not saying he deserved it but it could have been prevented.. 

 

He basically ran a red light intentionally . 

 

Sad for sure. 

[BillP]

This is sad news

Condolences to his family

[NHBull]

This happens more than you would expect.

I WAS an experienced white water kayaker, that was stepped over a low dam with a PFD.

Dispite having a safety team, I was dragged to the bottom, went unconscious and was revived when I surfaced a mile down stream.  No more dams for me.

 

Prayers to the family

[RMax]

 

That reminds me of this video 1rod1reelfishing posted a year or so ago.  Note: NOT ACTUALLY 1rod

[frosty]

Very sad, the only way to prevent that is to not be in the area. If a person were to get caught in the current that's coming out of those dams, no pfd is going to stop you from going with it.

Edited May 14, 2017 by frosty