Search Resumes Saturday Morning At Falls Park

by Tom Hanson, Anchor
March 15, 2013 11:11 PM


The search for a 28-year-old man, missing in the waters of the Big Sioux River has been suspended for Friday night. Lyle Eagle Tail went into the river at Falls Park to save a 6-year-old boy.
Earlier Friday afternoon authorities recovered the body of Madison Wallace, the boys’ 16-year-old sister.
Both Wallace and Eagle Tail went into the fast moving water after 6-year-old Garret Wallace fell in.
At this point authorities are not sure if his rescuers pushed the boy out of the water or if the current pushed him to shore.

Rescue workers on the scene say they will resume recovery operations Saturday morning. They are concerned that the foam caused by the falls will build up again overnight.   Jeff Helm of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says the foam, which is several feet thick, has caused visibility problems.

"We've kind of slowed down the flow here, so that will help. We will have to adjust our operations in the morning to remove some of that foam again, we will use some hose lines like we did earlier and continue to do that to clear the area”, said Helm.

Saturday morning divers and rescue workers in a small boat will search in a grid pattern. The divers are rotating two at a time because it's hard work. They have to do everything by feel, because they can only see a few inches in front of their face. Officers will be on the scene all night in case something develops and to make sure everything is secure.