GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A dramatic rescue unfolded Thursday afternoon as emergency crews responded to a report of a woman who had gone into the Grand River near Veterans Memorial Bridge. The incident occurred around 3 p.m., prompting a swift response from multiple local agencies.
According to Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) Battalion Chief Matt Keusch, the woman was seen in the water near the bridge, which connects Grand Rapids and Walker. In response, the GRFD immediately closed the bridge to traffic as rescue teams rushed to the scene.
“Crews arrived quickly and assessed the situation,” said Keusch. “The woman was carefully lifted into a rescue basket and transferred to a water rescue boat for further assistance.”
The rescue operation was executed with impressive speed, as the woman was removed from the icy water and placed on the boat for medical care in under 25 minutes. Keusch noted that the woman was alert throughout the rescue, though the exact circumstances surrounding her entry into the river remain unclear.
Along with the GRFD, multiple other agencies joined the response, including the Walker Fire Department, the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Life EMS. The cooperation between agencies was highlighted by Keusch, who praised the teamwork involved in the rescue.
“We all joined together and worked well as a team,” Keusch said. “Walker Fire Department’s use of a drone was particularly helpful, and everyone did a great job to get the patient out of the water quickly.”
The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by ice-covered bodies of water. Keusch urged the public to stay cautious, especially with the river’s fast-moving current and unstable ice conditions.
“Any river or stream with moving water is extremely dangerous right now,” he cautioned. “Do not go out on the ice.”
Thankfully, the woman was rescued safely, and her condition remains stable after the incident. Emergency responders continue to emphasize the importance of safety near ice-covered waters during the winter months.
