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Tuesday’s rescuers identified

CN-WP-udoni2-200116 The vehicle was severely damaged. Holly Neumann Photo
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The vehicle in Tuesday morning's crash was pulled from the channel that runs between Columbia and Dake lakes in Dayton. Holly Neumann Photo

Udoni pulled driver from vehicle

By Holly Neumann


Udoni

Joe Udoni, of Waupaca, was identified as one of the rescuers in Tuesday morning’s crash on the Chain O’ Lakes.

Jim Bernd was driving on Cleghorn Road in the town of Dayton when he lost control of his vehicle.

The vehicle went down an embankment and into the channel between Columbia and Dake lakes.

“I was passing by and got waved down by Sharon Thern,” said Udoni. “The car was upside down in the creek. So I got in the water and started talking to Jim (Bernd) and I knew he was fine.”

Udoni indicated that Bernd was already communicating with OnStar at the time.

As they waited for the ambulance to arrive, Udoni noticed that water was starting to flow into the vehicle.

“I was able to open the doors and get him out,” he said.

After removing Bernd, the car sank further into the water.

“If he would have stayed in there, it would have been a different outcome,” Udoni said. “Jim is a friend of mine. I am so glad I could help.”

Thern assisted Udoni in getting Bernd out of the water.

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