Lost, Injured Deaf Woman Rescued from NE Iowa Park

A deaf woman who became lost and injured in a Northeast Iowa park, was rescued over the weekend by local authorities.

At about 3:30pm Saturday (June 6), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Parks staff at Pikes Peak State Park near McGregor, received a report that a deaf woman was lost somewhere in the park, and possibly had an injury.

Personnel from several different agencies, including the MarMac Police Department, MarMac Rescue, McGregor Hook and Ladder, Tri-State Ambulance Service, conservation officers from the DNR and Clayton County, the Clayton County Sheriff's Office, and DNR parks staff began a search of the park trails.

Rescue workers were told to be listening for noise, as the woman was told to play loud music on her cell phone, if she needed help.

The DNR park manager, Matt Tschirgi, hiked to a ravine where the woman reportedly went.

The woman, whose name was not released, was found deep in the ravine; she was able to communicate to her rescuers that she injured her ankle.

Staff used a stretcher to help her out of the 500 foot high bluff, until personnel were able to get to her with an ATV.

Hikers are reminded by the DNR, to stay on marked trails, never hike alone, take water, and carry a cell phone.