Iowa: Hero Teen Who Rescued Man and Dog Accidentally Shot in Hunting Incident

In a hunting accident in Dickinson County, Iowa, a teenager sustained a serious gunshot wound over the weekend, according to KTIV.

The incident occurred at the Spring Run Wildlife Management Area around 8:30 on Saturday morning, as reported by KUOO Radio.

While authorities have not disclosed the identity of the victim, family and friends have identified him as Joseph Salmon, a senior at Okoboji High School.

According to a GoFundMe campaign initiated by his aunt, the Iowa teen was hunting with friends when he suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

He was subsequently transported to a Sioux Falls hospital, where he underwent surgery.

Iowa Teen Recovering From Gunshot Wounds

Joseph Salmon is currently in the process of recovery from this traumatic injury, the Des Moines Register noted.

A GoFundMe campaign set up by his aunt, Jess Axler, aims to raise $30,000 to support his medical expenses.

In her appeal, Axler described Salmon as an inspiration and a hero, emphasizing that he now requires assistance.

According to the GoFundMe page, Salmon had to be placed in a medically induced coma after a surgeon deemed two BBs from a shotgun shell too deeply embedded to be safely removed.

A recent update on the page indicated that he had been taken off sedation, exhibiting promising signs like moving his legs and squeezing his hands. However, the situation remains uncertain.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Bureau, as stated in a news release from the department.

As of Monday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $26,000.

Iowa Teen's Heroic Moment

In a remarkable act of heroism, 17-year-old Joe Salmon from Spirit Lake, Iowa, rescued an 83-year-old man from the icy waters of East Okoboji Lake after the man accidentally drove his Jeep through the ice last February, per The Daily Mail.

The dramatic rescue began with the safe retrieval of the man's pet golden doodle from the submerged Jeep, lifted to safety by onlookers.

Following this, Joe Salmon bravely made his way into the vehicle through the rear window, armed with a utility knife. Salmon successfully broke the car's window, allowing access to the trapped elderly man.

The incident unfolded when the elderly man's Jeep passed by Joe and his mother, who were ice fishing and watching snowmobile drag races on the lake.

The ice cracked beneath the vehicle, leading to its submersion in the icy waters.

Joe Salmon took immediate action, removing his boots and snow gear while calling on others nearby for assistance.

He made several attempts to help the trapped man, who initially had his foot stuck between the seat and the center console. The elderly man then got stuck again, this time between the seat and the roof.

Joe's determination and quick thinking prevailed as he managed to free the man from his car seat; all the while, the vehicle was filling with water.

He ultimately succeeded in pulling the man out and onto the snow. A group of individuals at the scene then helped the man walk to a nearby store to change out of his freezing, wet clothes.

Joe Salmon attributes his swift response and physical readiness to his participation in three sports and his familiarity with the area.

He was aided by several other strangers who came to the rescue in the frigid waters of the lake.

The elderly man was subsequently taken to a hospital and is reported to be "doing well," according to the Dickinson County Sheriff's Office.

After his heroic act, Joe Salmon returned to ice fishing alongside his mother.

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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