The ASDSO Public Safety Around Dams Committee tracks U.S. dam incidents reported in the news. This is not a comprehensive list of all incidents in the United States in a given year, and the entries are created (or excluded) using the best information available to us at the time. If you see an error or would like to provide additional information, please contact Katelyn Riley at [email protected].
Total Incidents: 4
Deaths: 2
Medical Attention Required: 2
Missing / Condition Unknown: 0
In order of most recent:
Michigan: ‘Drowning machines’: GRFD shares warning after close call on Grand River. FOX17. 4/28/2023.
Quote: "Scary moments on the Grand River were caught on camera when two people were knocked off their jet ski after trying to go over a dam."
Pennsylvania: 1 dead, 1 in hospital after boat goes over Dock Street Dam. CBS 21 News. 4/13/2023.
Quote: "Nicholas Herigan was on the Susquehanna River and saw the boat go over the Dock Street Dam. Herigan says he and another person were able to pull one person out of the water, but were unable to help the second victim."
Deaths: 1. Medical Attention Required: 1.
Kentucky: Officials discuss dam safety after deadly Harrison Co. incident. WKYT. 2/28/2023.
Quote: "Emergency responders are issuing a stern warning after a teen girl died from falling into the Licking River. It happened Sunday at Robinson Dam in Harrison County. Fourteen-year-old Mia Woolums was rescued from the water but died yesterday at UK hospital."
Deaths: 1.
Tennessee: Teen Critical After Drowning At Springfield Greenway Dam. Smokey Barn News. 1/8/2023.
Quote: "According to Robertson County EMS Director Brent Dyer, the teen slipped, fell in, and got caught under the waterfall. The 16 year old went in to help her, but after about 2 to 3 minutes the 17-year-old lost consciousness. The 16-year-old held onto her friend until bystanders walking a dog came to her aid. The bystanders used the dog’s leash to help get the 16 yr old out."
Medical Attention Required: 1
