Update: Madison Wallace's Body Recovered

by KDLT News
March 15, 2013 3:00 PM


Authorities say they have recovered the body of a 16-year-old girl who fell into the Big Sioux River. Madison Wallace went into the river last night trying to help her brother, 6-year-old Garret Wallace, who fell into the river earlier. Sioux Falls Fire Chief Jim Sideras says that they are still looking for 28-year-old Lyle Eagle Tail who tried to help Madison Wallace.

Chief Barthel says that different reports are coming in as to how Garret Wallace escaped the river. One report says that he climbed onto the rocks, another says he was pushed up onto the rocks.

Officials are working with the school in Vermillion to provide counseling and other services.

A special crane is being brought in to move the ice on the river.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue says they have switched from rescue mode to recovery mode because too much time has passed.

Rescue crews were called to the park around 6pm Thursday night.

Due to a recent rain storm, the current is strong creating foam that rises nearly ten feet above the surface of the water in some spots.

Stay with KDLT News for the latest on this developing story.