Man missing in Humboldt River

Police say the man, whose name was not released, stopped with his wife and two children at the Melarkey Street Bridge.

One of the family's three dogs went into the river and while the man managed to get the dog out, he was swept away. He called for help as his son and daughter ran along the bank, then disappeared, Chief Don Wright said today.

At least 30 people joined in the search in the water, by land and from the air, but found no trace of the missing man.

Two divers said the undertow was "amazing."

Wright said the search would continue through the weekend, if necessary, and Pershing County Search and Rescue would work up from Rye Patch Reservoir as well.

"We're trying to be optimistic. He was barefoot and it could take 12-24 hours to get through that heavy brush on the bank," Wright said.

"Obviously, the more realistic picture is that may not be what it is. But we're keeping that thought in mind for right now."

archive