Man jumps into Missouri river to help boater and is pulled into dam’s hydraulics

A man drowned in a Missouri river during his attempt to help a distressed boater, authorities say.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the 54-year-old victim, of Neosho, jumped into the Elk River above the dam July 20 to help a boater caught in the dam’s hydraulics.

But he was pulled into the strong current and carried through the dam, troopers said.

He resurfaced downstream and was given CPR by a bystander, highway patrol said.

Authorities said the victim was pronounced dead at a hospital a little more than an hour later. His identity has not been publicly disclosed.

Low head dams are often called “drowning machines,” according to the National Weather Service, because their turbulent currents can make it difficult to escape.

KNWA reporter Doug Warner said the boater was rescued by firefighters.

The Elk River is in McDonald County, about a 200-mile drive south from Kansas City.

This story was originally published July 21, 2025 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Man jumps into Missouri river to help boater and is pulled into dam’s hydraulics."