A family outing on Bear Lake in Idaho turned tragic when a mother of three was pulled under a boat, resulting in the amputation of both her legs. The incident occurred on Saturday on the waters of Bear Lake in southeastern Idaho.
The woman, who was tubing at the time, was reportedly pulled under the boat towing her raft. The watercraft's propellers struck her legs, causing severe bleeding. Bystanders intervened by applying tourniquets to her legs, which officials credit with saving her life.
The victim, described as a woman in her mid-30s, was airlifted to a hospital and is currently in stable condition. She has undergone multiple surgeries and is continuing her recovery.
Community Support and Recovery Efforts
The woman is a real estate professional in Salt Lake City, Utah. Colleagues have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist her family with extensive medical expenses, rehabilitation, prosthetic limbs, home and vehicle modifications, travel, lodging, and lost income. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had garnered approximately $50,000.
Spring Bengtzen, a realtor who works with the victim, donated $10,000 and shared a video appealing for further donations. Bengtzen described the injured woman as a "devoted wife and mother of three" and noted that the family is planning to relocate to aid in her recovery.
Relatives have stated that the woman received a third surgery and remains in stable condition. The Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office commended the quick actions of the bystanders who provided immediate aid. The sheriff's office also reported responding to several other emergency calls that same weekend, including a severe vehicle crash, a child locked in a hot car, and a sunken boat with a successful rescue.
