DENTON, TX, April 27, 2022 – The Denton Fire Department (DFD) received a call for a Drowning on Tues., April 26, at 12:44 p.m. in Clear Creek, located inside the Clear Creek Natural Heritage area off Hartlee Field and Collins Roads.
The wife of the victim called 911 and stated that she and her husband were fishing along the bank when it gave way and he fell into the water.
The first responders had difficulty locating the wife due to muddy trails and limited access getting back to the creek. Initial DFD response included two fire engines, an ambulance, and a battalion chief. Additional resources were quickly deployed, including the DFD zodiac and inflatable rescue boats, and drones from DFD and Denton Police Department. After an initial search, the Lewisville Fire Department Dive Team and Texas Game Wardens were requested to assist. Flower Mound Fire Department also assisted with a submersible drone. Firefighters were unable to access the creek with the zodiac boat at the 380 Greenbelt due to large log jams and flooding conditions.
The search was halted around 8 p.m. on Tuesday due to darkness and resumed around 9 a.m. on Wednesday. After an extensive search, the victim was found by a Texas Parks and Wildlife boat crew at 2:35 p.m. Wed. April 27, approximately 100 yards downstream from where he fell in. The victim was recovered and has been taken to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office. The Denton Police Department is handling family notification. DFD will not be releasing his name at this time.
In all, over 60 fire personnel, police officers, park rangers, and City of Denton Parks and Public Works personnel representing eight organizations responded.
Contact: David Boots – DFD PIO, (940) 349-8833, [email protected]
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