An Alabama rescue squad member drowned, and others were injured Saturday after their boats were swept over a dam during an operation.
Vicky Ryan, 46, a member of the Etowah County Rescue Squad, was pronounced dead at a local hospital hours after the rescue effort took a tragic turn, al.com reported.
The squad deployed two boats into a creek looking for a kayaker who was dumped into the water. One rescue boat got too close to a dam, and was pulled over by the current. Those in the second followed suit, and it also overturned. As a result, all nine were dumped into the creek.
Ryan's husband, Howard, was riding with her in the boat.
The victim was described as an outgoing, caring woman who was proud of her work with the rescue squad.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a 10-yer-old son.
