Bio: Laager, Brenda (Drowning accident 1983)

Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson

Email: kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Laager, Bertz

----Source: Marshfield News-Herald (18 July 1983)

WILLARD-- A six-year old rural Thorp girl remains in "critical condition" this morning at St. Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. after she nearly drowned Saturday at Rock Dam.

Brenda Laager, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Laager, Route 3, Thorp, was taken by ambulance to Neillsville Memorial Hospital, then transferred to St. Joseph's.

According to Clark County deputies, Brenda was walking at Rock Dam Beach, located about 5 miles west of Willard, when she stepped off a drop-off and went under water. S sister noticed her missing and told their father. An immediate search began and she was recovered several minutes later in about six feet of water.

Some Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene started life-saving techniques, and, along with conservation wardens, sheriff's department deputies and the Greenwood ambulance service officials are credited with saving the girl's life, according to David Bertz, Clark County Sheriff.

The accident happened about 1 p.m. Saturday.

Note: Brenda did not survive the incident.