On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 9:10 p.m., the Barron County 911 Center received several calls of two people in the water near the docks at Lakeside Cantina in Chetek. One of the subjects was immediately located and pulled from the water, the other subject remained missing.
Deputies from the Barron County Sheriff’s Department along with the Chetek Ambulance, Chetek Fire Department, WI DNR, Chetek Police Department, Marshfield Medical Center Ambulance and Mayo Helicopter all responded to scene. Upon arrival the second subject, age 63 from La Crosse, had been located and pulled out of the water and lifesaving measures were conducted on the second subject. That subject was flown to Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire and is in critical condition. The first subject, age 58 from La Crosse, was treated at the scene and released.
Initial investigation shows one male subject was attempting to get into a boat from the dock and fell in. When he did not surface another male subject jumped in to locate him, began to struggle, and was assisted out of the water with the help of bystanders.
The Wisconsin DNR and the Barron County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this incident and alcohol is a contributing factor.
