A woman is alive and recovering from a near drowning accident that occurred Saturday, thanks to the quick actions of several bystanders along Sugar Creek.
At approximately 12:42 p.m., Indiana Conservation Officers and Parke County first responders responded to a report of a possible drowning along Sugar Creek. The incident occurred in a remote area of Sugar Creek that is nearly a mile from the nearest roadway and surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forest.
Bobbie Barker, 35 from Indianapolis, was canoeing with her boyfriend when they struck a log, causing her to fall into the water. Cole Riggleman, a bystander, witnessed the incident and swam into the creek and brought Barker to shore. Barker was under the water for about one minute.
Barker was unresponsive and did not have a pulse once back to shore. A licensed physician, James Malenkos, MD, witnessed the event and led a group of bystanders through administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Barker. After approximately 12 minutes, Barker regained a pulse. Within 30 minutes, Barker was responsive and alert.
A Bloomingdale EMT and another bystander, Casey Bault, transported Barker via canoe to the nearest access point nearly two miles downstream where an ambulance was waiting. Barker was then transported via helicopter to IU Methodist Hospital. Barker was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Agencies assisting with the incident were Bloomingdale Fire Department, Marshall Fire Department, Parke County Sherrif’s Department, Parke County EMS, and IU Lifeline Helicopter Services.