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NEW BRIGHTON, Minn. (KMSP) - An 11-year-old girl pulled from the bottom of a creek in New Brighton, Minn. on Thursday has passed away.
"The NBDPS extends our sincerest condolences to the victim’s family and friends along with everyone who has been affected by this tragic event including the neighbors who called 911, the dispatchers, paramedics, police officers, and firefighters who worked so hard for a different outcome,” New Brighton police said in a statement. “We would ask everyone to take a few moments tonight and give your children an extra hug in remembrance of this tragedy.”
According to police and witnesses in the neighborhood, the girl jumped from a short bridge into Rice Creek while playing with friends at about 3 p.m. Thursday. A neighbor called 911 after seeing the young girl struggling to stay afloat, while her friend tried in vain to help her. Divers searched the creek, finding the girl about 20 minutes later in 6 to 8 feet of murky water.
The girl was rushed to Unity Hospital in critical condition and was later transferred to Children’s Hospital where she later passed away.
Neighbors said there are signs warning people not to dive from the bridge on Rice Creek, but neighborhood kids ignore the warnings.
“It’s very sad. I hope she makes it, and I hope the kids in the neighborhood learn,” said Darlene Schilling. “My husband and I aren't crabby old people. We care about them and it’s dangerous to jump off the bridge.”