MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A recovery effort is underway in the Rock River as officials search for 9-year-old girl Madison Billups. Rock County Communications say the initial call came in for a water rescue around 7:20 p.m. on Thursday.
Authorities say they are looking to search the section of the Rock River near Anglers Park because sonar radar in that area indicated something of particular interest.
Police say Billups was playing in the river with her brother when the current overtook them.
The family says a bystander jumped into action and was able to rescue the boy, but Billups went under and hasn’t been seen since.
“We’re just staying strong as a community at this point,” said Brenda Ward, cousin to Billups. “It’s different when it’s a kid.”
A Janesville Deputy Chief says a recovery effort is now underway because of the length of time that has passed. Police are working with the family to provide answers as they continue to search.
“They’re grieving right now and they’re upset,” said Janesville Police Deputy Chief Terry Sheridan. “Our prayers go out to them, this is a tough one for them and the city.”
Police added the current is very fast and dangerous.
“From what I understand, while it’s not that deep, the current is strong enough that it can actually pin a person down from swimming,” said Sheridan.
Authorities say Janesville Police say this section of the Rock River does not particularly have many children who play in it but people do frequent the area near Anglers Park to fish and play in the river.
“The water will go from 1.5 ft. deep to about 6 ft. deep quickly, but with the current moving through those areas, it’s not conducive to a diver,” Capt. Mark Thompson said. “Unfortunately, these [searches] aren’t always quick. History has shown they’re not quick, we just keep doing the best that we can do, we’re dedicating a lot of resources to this and we’re not going to quit until we find her.”
The Rock County Sheriff Troy Knudson says the department is going to shut off the water at the Indian Ford Dam. Officials hope this will allow the pressure and water flow of the Rock River to slow down in about three to four hours.
Construction equipment and a crane were used to lower a trench box into the water to ease the pressure and flow in the area they are searching.
In the afternoon, recovery crews went into the water with poles. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office also called in K-9 officers and used drones to help in their search.
Rock County Dispatch says Janesville Fire/EMS are assisting in the search.
This is a developing story. NBC15 will continue to update this article with more information.
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