FAYETTE COUNTY – An elderly Northern Iowa man fell 60 feet into a ravine, prompting a search that didn’t end until he was located and hospitalized.
On March 12th, 2024, at approximately 4:08 PM, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Duane Foelske, age 81 of Waverly, stating he was out checking his property and near a quarry off Juniper Road and near a cabin he owns on J avenue when he stumbled and fell approximately 60 feet down a ravine and he was unable to get up. Foelske’s phone disconnected before any more information was gathered.
Fayette County Sheriff and Deputies, West Union Fire Department and EMS responded to the area which was found to be approximately 80 plus acres of dense wooded ravines to conduct a search and rescue operation. While a foot search of the immediate area was started the Fayette Police Department assisted with arial drone coverage due to much of the area being inaccessible by vehicles or UTV vehicles . Sheriff Marty Fisher was able to locate the individual in the southeast area of the property where he monitored Foelske and was able to direct rescue team to the location. Gundersen Tri-State ambulance arrived at the location of the patient and began treating him.
Once the patient was stable Firemen and Deputies carried the patient out of the ravine where he was transported to Gundersen Palmer Hospital for his injuries.
Sheriff Marty Fisher thanked the West Union Fire Department, Iowa DNR, Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance and the Fayette Police Department for their assistance.
