Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
HOLLADAY -- A woman is in the hospital after venturing into Big Cottonwood Creek to save her dog.
The woman was at a park near 4700 South and 1600 East playing Frisbee with her dog around 11:30 a.m. when the animal somehow went into the water. Witnesses say the woman went in after the dog and couldn't get out of the fast-moving current. They called for help as she struggled to get to shore.
"We had from bystanders along the river and various locations that did see, and some that did hear, someone calling for help," said Unified Fire Authority Capt. Clint Smith.
Rescuers quickly fanned out along the river between 1600 East and the Van Winkle Expressway in hopes of spotting her. Firefighters say she spent about 30 minutes in the water and was able to crawl out on her own in the area of 4700 South and 650 East.
Marc Gaztambide was the first to see her then. "She was walking on the street in distress. So I walked up to her and said, ‘You're in trouble.'"
Gaztambide took the woman into his house until rescuers arrived. "She had a bumpy ride down the creek," he said.
The woman was taken to the hospital with mild hypothermia. Otherwise, she is in good condition.
Smith says the woman is fortunate to be alive.
"We understand the love of pets, but personal safety is not worth the love of a pet. Call for help if you see something like that, please. Please keep yourselves away from these fast-moving rivers," he said.
Sheriff's deputies say the woman's dog has not been located. He's a 13-year-old German shepherd named Harrison. He has an implanted microchip, is wearing tags and is described as having a calm demeanor.
They hope the dog was able to get out of the water and is just roaming somewhere. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office or Salt Lake County Animal Services.
Authorities say due to spring runoff, the water in creeks and rivers is cold and swift. They urge people to be careful around rivers and streams.
Story compiled with information from Marc Giauque and Sandra Yi.
