On August 19th, 1995, at 18:00 hours, there was an emergency page that went out about a victim who drowned in Robinson Creek. The victim was a father who had been canoeing with his daughters. The group fell into the fast-moving currents of Robinson Creek near Black River Falls. Currents were strong and fast, and water levels were very high due to the immense amount of rainwater filling the local creeks and rivers. The daughters all survived while the father perished and drowned.
The following Monday, August 21st , the Black River Falls Fire Department made the decision to conduct a search for the victim. The mission was not easy with swiftly moving water and the hazards that come with it.
The group of firemen put together a plan to help bring closure to the missing fathers’ family. While conducting the search, the plan went into the unthinkable. The three firefighters were swept off their feet and pulled into a hydraulic/whirlpool created by the small water fall known as Polly Falls.
One firefighter was able to kick out and swim safely to shore right away. The other two men were pulled down in the force of the hydraulics, where they couldn’t be seen or reached by staff on shore.
After several minutes, they were released from the hydraulics and pulled in by staff from the shore. CPR was immediately administered. Upon successful CPR, the second firefighter was breathing again and survived.
Bruce was air-lifted directly from the scene to a La Crosse Hospital. Although every effort was made, no neurological activity was detected. The difficult decision was then made by the family to cease life support on August 25th, 1995. Among his family left behind were a wife, son, and daughter. He is the brother of Keith Cormican, Director of Bruce’s Legacy.
Bruce and Keith talked well before his untimely death; there was a need for a dive unit in the surrounding areas. It was the two brothers’ goal to create a dive rescue unit for Jackson County in Wisconsin. After Bruce’s death, Keith was motivated to follow through and became an integral part of creating the Jackson County Dive Unit, serving as Unit Director for almost all of its existence since its inception in 1996.
Bruce and Keith have always had a passion for helping those in need, and to further honor Bruce’s legacy, Keith has named the organization after his brother.
We appreciate your consideration of our efforts to assist those who have lost their lives in a tragic water accident.
