Sheriff's Office Updates & Alerts - Stearns County, Minnesota
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320-251-4240  

Sauk River Water Rescue

On May 15, 2022, at 4:09 PM, the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call from a female who stated her husband and herself had flipped their kayaks in the Sauk River near County Road 121 in Waite Park and were stranded in the middle of the river. They were stuck in a grove of trees in the river and were unable to get to shore.

The Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, St. Joseph Police Department, Waite Park Fire and Rescue, Sauk Rapids Fire and Rescue, and Mayo Ambulance were dispatched. Responding rescue personnel were able to locate both parties, Stacey McDonald, 49, St. Cloud, and Christopher McDonald, 49, St. Cloud. Sauk Rapids Fire Department deployed an airboat that was able to successfully maneuver the river and rescue the two individuals and their kayaks. It was reported that they had launched their kayaks from Rockville. During their trip, Christopher turned his kayak around to see where Stacey was when he struck a tree which capsized his kayak. Stacey attempted to stop to assist Christopher but also capsized her kayak. The river had a strong current due to heavy recent rainfall. They were treated on scene by Mayo Ambulance and transported themselves to the St. Cloud Hospital.

Dispatch 320-251-4240   |   Records 320-259-3700

Email sheriff@co.stearns.mn.us   |   Twitter @Stearns_Sheriff