24 Hours After Constant Search, Wisconsin Native Swimming in Chippewa River Found in a Tough Spot

In the United States, drowning deaths are a rising concern each year. In a similar turn of events, the Eau Claire community in Wisconsin is mourning one such loss. Recently, a 26-year-old alum of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire met with a tragic fate. Justin Vue had recently gone missing while tubing and swimming in the Chippewa River.

The Eau Claire Fire Department, in collaboration with other authorities, tried their best, but could not locate Vue. Eventually, authorities were able to confirm that Vue’s body was discovered lifeless after an intense joint search effort. The authorities also explained how this unfortunate incident unfolded that left a scar on the local community.

Justin Vue’s drowning and rescue operation

According to News 18 WQOW, a group of friends, including Vue, had gone out for a day of tubing and fun on the river. While enjoying the waters near the Water Street Bridge, it is reported that Vue decided to venture off on his own, and snorkeled and swam away from the group. However, when it was time to meet up at their pre-decided spot, Vue was nowhere to be found. Authorities were soon informed and a quick search and rescue operation followed, with the main area of focus being the water, the last place Vue was seen by his companions. For several hours, officials scanned the depths of the river with the help of side scan sonar, thermal imaging cameras, drones, and with the help of dedicated volunteers.

Among those aiding in the search was Bruce’s Legacy, a renowned organization with advanced sonar and underwater ROV capabilities. Unfortunately, hope turned to heartache when, around 9 p.m. the Eau Claire Fire Department made the tragic discovery. Vue’s lifeless body was found approximately 20 feet from shore, near the UW-Eau Claire footbridge. The Chippewa River’s depth where the body was found measured 8 to 10 feet, a chilling reminder of the powerful forces of nature. This latest accident adds to the already large number of drowning deaths that occur every year in the U.S.

United States’ alarming number of drownings

Each year in the U.S. for children aged 1 to 4, drowning stands as the leading cause of fatalities. For the age group of 5 to 14, drowning follows closely as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death, right after motor vehicle crashes. Every year, within the borders of the United States, approximately 4,000 lives are lost due to fatal unintentional drownings. An alarming average of 11 lives are lost every single day. In addition to this, annually, 8,000 nonfatal drownings occur, that’s an average of 22 near-drowning incidents daily.

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Disturbingly, nearly 40% of these drownings treated in emergency departments demand hospitalization or further care, a staggering contrast to the 10% for all other unintentional injuries. The consequences are dire, leaving victims with brain damage and often long-term disabilities that forever alter the trajectory of their lives. What is even more troubling is the gender disparity in these incidents, with approximately 80% of drowning victims being male. While the exact reasons behind this trend may vary, it’s likely linked to higher exposure to water activities, risk-taking behaviors, and the unfortunate use of alcohol.

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