Missing person found near Wilbur Dam

A woman Washington County Sheriff’s Department officials reported missing Saturday was rescued from the Watauga River about a day later.

Public Information Officer for the Carter County Sheriff’s Office Thomas Gray said they received notification from Washington County officials at around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

“WCSO advised that they had reason to believe she was in the Hampton area of Carter County,” Gray said. “They also advised that the subject was insulin dependent, and that there could be a possible medical issue.”

He said the investigation was the result of a cooperation between several different agencies, including both county sheriff’s offices and even the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency.

An hour later, he said a TWRA officer found a vehicle matching the description at the park overlook on Wilbur Dam Road.

Officials then took to the Watauga River via boat to continue searching and later found her struggling in the river with her head above the water.

“Deputies called for the Rescue Squad to assist in getting her out of the river, and kept her head above water until EMS arrived and they pulled her out,” Gray said.

Officials from the Carter County Rescue Squad succeeded in getting the woman out of the water and getting her medical attention, alongside emergency medical services.

“The subject was found to have extremely low blood sugar, and she had been injured on one side of her face,” Gray said. “Deputies believe she fell down a steep slope into the water.”

The woman, who Gray did not identify, received transportation to the Johnson City Medical Center, where Gray said he did not receive any further updates on her condition.

He said the rescue was successful because of the cooperation of the several departments and volunteer services who assisted in the search and rescue.

“We appreciate the work the other services gave us,” he said. “We are glad we were able to find her.”

The incident came right before two days of continuous rainfall in the Carter County area, which could make many walking trails dangerous and driving more hazardous than normal.

SportsPlus

Local news

VIDEO: Volunteers needed for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in East Tennessee

Local news

In the Shelter of Each Other: Appalachian-tough community ensures Helene victims do not walk alone

Local news

Gas prices dip slightly in Tennessee, but tensions could drive future increases

Local news

Woodby instructs all donations for Carter County be taken to Bristol Motor Speedway

Local news

Northeast Community Credit Union provides unique experience

Local news

Section of Douglas Reservoir closed for debris containment

Local news

ETSU Health conducts home visits for patients at highest risk from Helene

Local news

Number of Helene-related fatalities rises to 12 in Tennessee, TEMA reports

Local news

VIDEO: Elizabethton Electric’s Chad Bowman gives update on power restoration efforts in Valley Forge

Local news

VIDEO: Pastor Bryant Collins provides update on supply deliveries across East Tennessee

Local news

VIDEO: More supplies arrive at Roan Street Church of God to aid community

Local news

Update: Hurricane relief center list continues to grow in Carter County

Local news

Mountain Electric estimates over 10,000 still without power in its service area

Local news

Carter County officials provide recovery updates, focus on damage, power outages, and volunteer efforts

Local news

Carter County receives critical aid through ongoing Blackhawk helicopter supply drops to remote areas

Local news

Hampton High School students to relocate to Keenburg

Local news

Elizabethton City Schools will provide free meals to students next week

Community

Fish and Chicken Feast Oct. 5 at Boozy Creek

Community

Senior Center Schedule

Local news

Internal review from plastics plant where three died finds ‘there was time to escape’ flood

Local news

Region A.H.E.A.D. activates small business flood recovery grant applications

Local news

Those unemployed due to Helene flooding encouraged to apply for benefits

Community

…Upcoming Events in Elizabethton

Local news

Elizabethton Police seek public’s help in identifying Walmart shoplifting suspect