Warsaw Resident Dies After Kayak Accident
WARSAW — Richard Vesley Wilson, 31, of Warsaw, died on Tuesday, June 27, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne after a kayak accident.
On June 25 Wilson attempted to cross over the Collamer Low Head Dam in Whitley County with a kayak on the Eel River. Witnesses observed Wilson fall out of the kayak and was unable to escape the strong circulating current near the face of the low head dam.
Zachary A. Anderson, 25, Syracuse, then waded out to Wilson to attempt a rescue and was sucked into the circulating current also. A second rescuer then entered the water and was able to bring both victims to shore where CPR was performed.
Both victims were transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center by Parkview Samaritan Medical Transport. Anderson’s condition is unknown at this time.
Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, South Whitley Police Department, Indiana State Police, Cleveland Township Fire Department, and Parkview Whitley EMS.
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating.
A Memorial service for Wilson will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.