ELGIN, Iowa — A 9-year-old girl was rescued while tubing on the Turkey River after strong current pushed her into a log jam. The current took Cecelia Strong’s tube under logs. She held onto the trees and shouted for help, then went under. She was far ahead of fellow tubers and out of reach. But Dallas Matt, who grew up on the river and who happened to be on the opposite bank, saw what was happening. He made his way across, climbed on top of a brush pile on the log jam, and was there when Cecelia popped up. He pulled her out and helped her back to her family campsite. This was near the North Fayette Valley Elementary and Middle School.
Near-drowning incident. Cecioia Strong back at family campsite.