A fund has been set up for the family of a Vermillion teen, who died while saving her brother from the rushing water of the Big Sioux River.
Dive teams found the body of Madison Wallace, 16, Friday afternoon. She disappeared Thursday evening, after trying to save her brother Garrett, 6, who fell in the river at Falls Park. Garrett survived. Madison and another man, Lyle Eagletail, 28, disappeared.
Search teams have been hampered by large amounts of foam on the water, as well as thick ice.
On a website set up for the family fund, friends write:
We have all been so blessed by having Madison in our lives. Everyone who knew her was touched by her sweet spirit. She was sixteen years old when she ran into a frozen river to save her younger brother from drowning, he made it out but she did not. Those who truly know Madison are not surprised by the sacrifice she made, but are deeply saddened by it just the same. Madison Wallace is a great example of one who puts others first. She lived her life on behalf of others, and she died doing the same. Madison loved to write and share her stories. She loved reading, crafting, art, playing the french horn, She has always dreamed about going on a mission to serve her church and bring others to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are positive she will serving a mission in heaven.
On Thursday March 14, 2013 Madison went to Falls Park in Sioux Falls South Dakota to have a picnic with her family. She was playing near the river with her 6 year old brother Garrett. Garrett went close to the river, probably because he was attracted to the huge amount of foam in that area. He ended up in the river and foam. Madison rushed in to save her brother not thinking for her own safety. A passerby named Lyle Eagletail saw there was a commotion in the area and saw Madison in the river struggling to save her brother. He jumped in as well to help. They were able to save Garrett, however both of them were lost.
If you would like help the family please go to your local Wells Fargo and ask to donate to Madison Wallace Family Fund Or use bill pay from your Wells Fargo online account. You can also click the link bellow to use PayPal (please note PayPal takes a cut if you choose to use that option)
We have set up this page to help her family with any costs associated with the loss of their sweet angel in heaven.
