Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany reported that he and the pilot of a small plane escaped with minor injuries following an emergency landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday night. The four-seat Bonanza aircraft lost power as it approached Wausau Downtown Airport after Tiffany's appearance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner.
"The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau," Tiffany stated on X, formerly Twitter. He explained that he and the pilot immediately contacted 911 after hitting the water. However, the plane began to fill with water and submerge before rescuers arrived.
"As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat," Tiffany wrote. Both he and the pilot were subsequently rescued by boat and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries.
Tiffany expressed his gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all first responders for their swift actions. He also noted that his wife was with him at the hospital. "God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side," he said. "An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is."
Tiffany, who currently represents Wisconsin's 7th Congressional District, is the Republican candidate for governor in the state's upcoming election. The cause of the reported power loss is currently under investigation. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of support and relief messages after Tiffany shared details of the incident.