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Wisconsin Congressman Sustains Minor Injuries After Plane Crash Lands in Lake
Confirmed
In Short: Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Tiffany and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency landing in Lake Wausau.
The incident occurred as the Bonanza, a four-seat aircraft, approached Wausau Downtown Airport. According to Tiffany, the plane lost power while he was attending the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner. "The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau," Tiffany wrote on X.
Tiffany and the pilot quickly called 911 after hitting the water, but the aircraft began to submerge. "As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat," Tiffany explained.
Both Tiffany and the pilot sustained only minor injuries, according to the congressman. "They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care," Tiffany said. His wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital following the harrowing landing and water rescue.
In a statement, Tiffany's campaign explained the circumstances of the crash as well as the candidates' injuries. "Tom suffered a laceration above his right eye that required stitches and was released from the hospital last night. The pilot was also released," the statement read.
What's confirmed
- "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.
What's still developing
- Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state's upcoming election.
- Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin take aim at likely Democratic nominee Francesca Hong in a Fox News Digital interview.
- Rep. Tom Tiffany, the Republican nominee for Wisconsin governor, says he sustained minor injuries late Saturday when a plane he was traveling in was forced to make an emergency water landing.
- Rescue teams were called to reports of a downed plane with two people in the water, emergency services’ radio communications obtained by NBC News indicate.
- “An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is,” Tiffany said in his post.
- Tiffany represents Wisconsin’s seventh congressional district and is endorsed by President Donald Trump in the November 3 gubernatorial election.
- His Democratic opponent, David Crowley, said in a post on X: “I’m grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot.” “I wish them and the Congressman a quick recovery and that they can find solace with their loved ones,” he added.
- Tiffany and the pilot were the only two people on board the Beechcraft K35.