Update: Child injured after pinned under UTV in pond

Published 8:35 am Sunday, September 1, 2024

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An 11-year-old girl was reportedly injured Saturday evening after a UTV rolled onto its side in a private pond, pinning her underneath, in Winnebago County.

The Iowa State Patrol website states Mae Helgeson of Lake Mills was transported by MercyOne AirMed to a Mayo hospital in Rochester.

According to the report, Mae was driving a 2018 red Polaris Ranger near a private pond when the driver’s side tire entered the bank of the pond, causing it to roll onto its side, and pinning her under the UTV.

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Life-saving measures were performed, and she was transported to Mayo.

The State Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Mills police and fire departments, Forest City Ambulance and Dick’s Towing.

A CaringBridge page set up for Mae stated she suffered an injury to her trachea, which has not yet required surgery. Her airways have been cleared, and she has positive lung function. She intubated and remains on sedation for her trachea to heal and for her to remain stable.

“While we are still learning of her cognitive condition with various tests and time, we seek your thoughts, well wishes and prayers for total healing of her mind and body,” the page stated. “Mae is a shining light in this world. All who know her have experienced her charm and know her love for her people, the world, nature and all living things. She has a lot to fight for!”

Check back for further updates.