At approximately 1:00 PM Central Time on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a call involving a worker who had fallen nearly 20 feet while operating on a barge, performing repair work at Wolf Creek Dam. Due to the location and severity of the fall, a technical rescue was required to safely remove the patient from the barge.

Rescuers utilized the barge’s multi-ton crane to lift both the patient and a rescuer from the barge up to the roadway, where an awaiting ambulance transferred care. The patient was then flown by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY for further treatment.

We extend our sincere thanks to the following agencies for their strong teamwork and rapid response:

• Russell County EMS
• Jamestown Fire Department
• American Bridge Company
• Air Methods and
• Russell County 911.

Your coordination and professionalism ensured a safe and efficient rescue under challenging conditions.