BOONE, Iowa—Boone County authorities are continuing their investigation into an accident that resulted in one person drowning after the vehicle she was in went into the river near Fraser, Iowa. Sheriff Andy Godzicki says information was withheld pending notification of next of kin. The statement by the Sheriff was released today.
On Saturday July 29, 2023, at about 2153 hours, Boone County Dispatch received several 911 calls about a vehicle in the water at a boat ramp just north of the Fraser Dam on Juniper Rd. It was reported there was a person trapped in the submerged vehicle. Attempts were made by citizens at the scene to rescue the trapped person, but they were unsuccessful.
Boone County Sheriffs Deputies, Boone County Search and Rescue, Boone County Emergency Management, Boone County Hospital, Ogden 1st Responders, Ogden Fire Department, Story County Sheriffs Office Dive Team, Iowa DNR, Iowa State Patrol, Mary Greeley medical, Gilbert Fire, and Condon’s towing, all responded to the scene.
The vehicle, a white 2012 Chevy Traverse was submerged in about eight to ten feet of water as a result of rolling down the boat ramp. Deputies entered the water and were able to stand on the roof of the submerged vehicle. The Story County Dive Team was able to attach a tow line to the vehicle so it could be pulled out by Condon’s Towing. When the vehicle was removed from the river, it was discovered that Denise Kuhns 39, of Boone/Grand Junction, was trapped in the rear of the vehicle. Unfortunately, she was deceased due to drowning. The rear side window and several others had been broken by civilians trying to rescue her. It appeared Kuhns was entangled or entrapped by belongings that were stored in the rear area of the vehicle and may have prevented her from escaping.
During the investigation it was learned that Benjamin Murphy, 40, of Rippey/Fort Dodge was also initially trapped in the vehicle as it was being submerged. He was able to free himself and exited through a rear passenger door. Murphy reported a vehicle malfunction is what led to the vehicle rolling down the boat ramp. It appeared the vehicle entered the water backwards. The front of the vehicle sank in the water quickly while the rear of the vehicle remained above water for a short period, prior to flooding.
There were multiple witnesses interviewed about this incident. This investigation continues by the Boone County Sheriffs Office and will include a closer examination of the vehicle.
