Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, along with a pilot, escaped with minor injuries after their small aircraft lost power and made an emergency landing in a lake on Saturday night.
Tiffany stated that the incident occurred as the four-seat Bonanza was nearing Wausau Downtown Airport following his attendance at the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. “The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,” wrote Tiffany on X.
The congressman detailed that immediate action was taken by contacting 911 upon landing. Despite efforts, the plane began to sink, prompting Tiffany and the pilot to swim to a shallow area until rescue personnel arrived by boat.
Tiffany and the pilot were subsequently recovered from the lake and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, and both sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman. Tiffany expressed his gratitude to those who helped during the incident. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly,” Tiffany said. “They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care.”
His wife, Chris, supported him during the hospital visit. Tiffany reflected on the experience: “God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.”
Social media saw an outpouring of relief and support once Tiffany shared details of the incident. Comments included expressions of gratitude and relief for Tiffany’s safety.
Rep. Tiffany, who currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District, is standing as the Republican candidate in the upcoming state election. The cause of the aircraft’s power failure remains under investigation.
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