Search underway in Connellsville for missing fisherman
Crews searched throughout Wednesday for a man who went missing while fishing on the Youghiogheny River Tuesday night.
Kristie Grimm of Connellsville said her husband, Jerry Grimm, 55, headed out to fish around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, setting out from the area near Martucci Funeral Home on South First Street in the city.
鈥淚鈥檓 just devastated. I鈥檓 worried about everything. We鈥檝e been together since we were 19,鈥� Grimm said.
Fayette County EMS spokesperson said a man called 911 around 9 p.m. Tuesday, but would not provide additional details.
鈥淚t蘑菇视频 progressing,鈥� Connellsville police Sgt. Bryan Kendi said of the search late Wednesday afternoon. 鈥淚t蘑菇视频 difficult. Water conditions are tough, the current is raised so the speed of the river is making it difficult to traverse the boats up and down.鈥�
According to Connellsville Mayor Greg Lincoln, swift water rescue teams were assisting New Haven Hose Company and Connellsville police in the search. The teams were using sonar equipment to search the river.
As of presstime Wednesday, the missing fisherman had not been located.
Kristie and Jerry蘑菇视频 daughters, Kolby and Kodi, said their father had grown up fishing and swimming in the river.
鈥淗e knew this river by heart,鈥� said Kodi Grimm. 鈥溾�楯ust float,鈥� that was his quote. He would always tell us girls that if we ever got caught up in the river to 鈥榡ust float.'鈥�
Kristie Grimm said the family is holding out hope, but has tempered their expectations of finding her husband alive.
鈥淲e鈥檙e hoping to find his body so he and the family can have peace,鈥� said Kodi Grimm.
Kolby Grimm said she and her family are grateful for the support the community has shown with the ongoing efforts to find her father.
鈥淲e are very thankful that so many people 鈥� I think there蘑菇视频 emergency crews from three different counties 鈥� are out here looking for him. It蘑菇视频 nice to see the community is helping all around.鈥�
Kendi said recent rain has also added to the depth of the water, making it much more difficult for crews to look for Grimm.
The officer reiterated the importance of practicing safety when near the river.
鈥淎 lot of times people, especially those that have grown up around the river, get comfortable. They assume it蘑菇视频 a nice day 鈥� and fail to realize that the amount of water that came down from the rain and dam has caused the current to increase and the water level to rise. It becomes a very dangerous situation.鈥�
Kendi said he does not recommend anyone swim in the river, but if they do, they should take 鈥渆very precaution.鈥�
鈥淛ust like you鈥檙e getting on a boat. You should have a life vest on, avoid waders,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nybody planning to get in the water should be wearing flotation devices at the very minimum, and they should be with a group of people so if there is an emergency, someone can call first responders immediately.鈥�