Rescue team responds to man in Big Cottonwood Creek


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Lori Prichard reportingA swift-water rescue team responded after a 37-year-old Provo man jumped into Big Cottonwood Creek Monday night.

It happened just a few yards down from the Cotton Bottom bar at 2300 East and 7000 South. Authorities say Lance Sorenson and his friend had been drinking at the bar when they wandered down to the creek around 8:30.

Sorenson apparently jumped in, immediately went under the water and didn't resurface. So his friend, Eddie Monahan, called 911.

Rescue team responds to man in Big Cottonwood Creek

"He slipped and went right in, barefoot, and I didn't see him for a mile away," Monahan said.

Lt. Jay Southan of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office said, "Fortunately for him, once he got in the water, he chose a place where the creek narrows very dramatically. The current pushed him up onto the bank where he could grab a hold of willows along the bank. He could actually pull himself partially out of the water."

Three different agencies were part of the search and rescue effort. Between 35 and 40 law enforcement officers responded. Not one of them actually had to get into the water.

Authorities say Sorenson was in the water for about two minutes before he pulled himself out. They say he's lucky to be alive. He was cited for public intoxication, which is a misdemeanor.

E-mail: lprichard@ksl.com

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