3 men recognized for good deed at southern IL lake
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI) – Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies recognized three people from southern Illinois who did a good deed.
Deputies responded to the report of a capsized boat on Little Grassy Lake around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.
Deputies say two fishermen had located a kayak/canoe floating upside down in the middle of the lake.
The fishermen became concerned and towed it to shore due to strong winds and rough water.
Once on shore, they discovered a backpack containing a cell phone that was still dry and operating.
The fishermen used the cell phone to contact a parent of the cell phone owner who was able to confirm his identity and that their son was on the lake but missing.
The fishermen contacted law enforcement. They began searching the water for anyone in distress.
Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies determined that the person was in the boat when it capsized and that the cell phone belonged to a third year Southern Illinois University student.
The fishermen (good samaritans) on scene assisted law enforcement in the search for what they initially believed to be a missing person.
“As nightfall was quickly approaching, the ability to get on the water without law enforcement having to transport boats saved valuable time,” said Williamson County Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
Deputies later learned that the student had capsized in the water. He was able to swim to shore.
He returned to his home in Carbondale after he made it to shore uninjured and thought his belongings were lost.
Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies recognized Parker Branscum of Dongola, Reese Belcher of Anna and Nicholas Grimm of Carbondale for their efforts.
“While this had a positive outcome; at the time, these citizens went to great length to help others they believed were in peril,” said Sheriff Jeff Diederich.
Sheriff Diederich and officers with the Southern Illinois University Police responded to the student’s campus residence. They confirmed his safety, returned the student’s belongings and learned the circumstances which led to him in the water.
Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies thanked the Southern Illinois University Police for their assistance and commitment to the safety of students at Southern Illinois University.
