Family Recovered in Water Rescue in Parke County

(PARKE CO.) – Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call about multiple individuals in the water clinging to a stranded off-road vehicle (ORV).

Jeffrey Riddle, 61, Mari Riddle, 25, and three juveniles, all of Rockville, were safely rescued.

The incident took place around 3 p.m. Sunday on County Road 100 North near the State Sanatorium Bridge. The group was riding a side-by-side ORV and attempted to cross a flooded portion of the roadway with a swift current. The ORV was swept off the roadway into Little Raccoon Creek and was lodged on a large rock.

Indiana Conservation Officers used an airboat to reach the victims and safely return them to shore. No injuries were reported during the incident.

Indiana Conservation Officers discourage attempting to drive across any flooded roadways regardless of whether a current is visible.

Parke County Sheriff’s Department, Parke County EMS, and Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene.