Woman Drowns Trying To Save Dog From Irrigation Ditch

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - A woman was killed Tuesday in Boulder County after jumping into the Highland Ditch in the Longmont area and trying to save a dog that had fallen in the water.

According to Heidi Prentup with the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded the call at 1:30 p.m. and arrived 4 minutes later to find the woman's friends performing CPR after they had pulled her out of the water.

The victim, identified as Megan Davis of Longmont, was transported to Longmont United Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

"Witnesses indicated the woman, who was visiting friends in the area, went into the fast-moving water in an attempt to save a dog who had fallen in," Prentup said in a statement. "The dog was rescued and is doing fine."

The woman's name hasn't been released.

"Water in irrigation ditches and creeks is running very high and fast at this time of year. Please use extreme caution around the waterways and do not go into them without safety equipment," Prentup said.

Boulder County Sheriff's spokesman Capt. Randy Evans told CBS4 dog owners often try to save dogs from waterways.

"Ninety-nine percent of the time the dog gets out and the owner is in there struggling, so stay out of the water and let (rescuers) go in," he said.

Evans said irrigation ditches present hidden dangers.

"Water on the top surface looks fine, but underneath that you've got a lot of moving water so as you jump in the undercurrent will suck you under," he said.