Two students are dead after a boat carrying members of the Iowa State Crew Club capsized Sunday morning, according to school officials.
A group of five students were practicing at Little Wall Lake in Hamilton County when their boat capsized, Iowa State University said in a statement. Hamilton County Sheriff Doug Timmons told KCCI the accident happened around 9:30 a.m.
Timmons said during a press briefing that local residents quickly jumped into action to try and save the students. (RELATED: Officer Dies After Medical Emergency While Trying To Save Drowning Girl)
“We had some heroes in the people who live in the houses here,” he said. “There’s some people who took some risks they didn’t have to take and saved some lives.”
Three of the students were rescued and taken to Mary Greeley Medical Center where they were treated and released, according to the school. A dive team recovered the body of one student Sunday but could not locate the fifth student.
Iowa State University has confirmed that five members of the Iowa State Crew Club capsized during practice today at Little Wall Lake in Hamilton County. 3 were rescued. 1 body was recovered. Another student is still missing. @WHO13news
— Dave Price (@idaveprice) March 28, 2021
Rescue crews stopped the search Sunday night but were set to return Monday morning, according to the school.
The school announced Monday morning that the body of the second missing student had been recovered.
“The Iowa State community is heartbroken to learn of this tragic accident at Little Wall Lake,” President Wendy Wintersteen said in the statement. “At this time, we are focused on providing support to club members, their families and friends. We ask that everyone keep them in their thoughts during this very difficult time.”
