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Monday, March 23, 2026 at 1:20 PM

Man survives potential drowning

Man survives potential drowning
John Hunt, of Rock Island, second from right, stands with his rescuers, from left, Colorado County Sergeants Benjamen Melendez and Ryan Thomas, Deputy Andrew Lopez, and 911 Dispatcher Katlyn Perales. , Two men from Rock Island VFD who helped with the rescue were not pictured.

ROCK ISLAND - John Hunt could barely keep his head above water. Literally. Several weeks ago, while driving his zero- turn mower near a lake, the levee collapsed beneath him. He was trapped underwater with his belt wrapped around the right steering controller.

He was able to shift the mower just enough to get his mouth above water. After about 20 minutes, he was still trapped and alone.

Fighting exhaustion, he con - tinued to rock the mower and fi nally freed one leg, but still had no leverage to move the mower off of him. He was able to reach his phone and call Colorado County 911 dispatcher Katlyn Perales, who dispatched deputies and the Rock Island VFD and kept him calm while help arrived.

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