Man Sunken Waist-Deep In Muddy Ravine Rescued In Lake Forest

LAKE FOREST, IL — The Lake Forest Fire Department rescued a man who had sunken waist-deep in a muddy ravine on Sunday.

Fire crews responded to the ravine at 2:20 p.m. after receiving a report of a 20-year-old man who got stuck after recent rains caused muddy conditions.

When rescue crews arrived, the man had already been submerged up to his waist. While several of the man's friends attempted to get him out of the ravine before the fire department arrived, the depth and density of the mud proved too difficult.

“After heavy rain, ravines can become unstable very quickly, with deep mud and uneven ground,” said Fire Chief Andy Rick. “If you encounter these conditions, avoid entering the area and call for help rather than attempting a rescue on your own.”

Firefighters utilized special equipment to maintain a stable footing in unstable terrain and safely extricate the man from the ravine. He was evaluated at the scene and was uninjured, the fire department said.

Authorities reminded the public to exercise caution when walking in unstable areas outside, particularly during periods of heavy rain or flooding.