LOCAL NEWS

Toddler who nearly drowned in Beaver out of coma, first responders recall rescue as ‘organized chaos’

May 24, 2024, 7:04 PM | Updated: 7:19 pm

BEAVER — A Beaver County boy rescued from a creek earlier this week has come out of his coma.

Three-year-old Levi Wright’s family friend Mindy Clark shared with KSL TV that Levi had woken up but was still on a ventilator and not talking.

“He’s pretty wiggly; his doctor was excited about that!” Clark said via text.

Meanwhile, a first responder who was part of Levi’s rescue recounted that day as “organized chaos” as they searched for the 3-year-old in North Creek in Beaver.

Beaver County Fire Chief Craig Wright was one of the first on scene. He set up the command post while a Utah Highway Patrol trooper, who was among the first to arrive, jumped into the water.

“It’s the call we train for, but it’s the call we dread and hope never happens,” Craig Wright said.

Levi disappeared into the creek after his mom, Kallie Wright, went to check on her 9-month-old baby.

As other agencies arrived, Craig Wright sent crews downstream while other rescuers jumped in to search without hesitation.

“We had several different bridge crossings between (our location and downstream) that we sent responders to, and they started in the river, (then searched) up the river,” he said.

For 25 minutes, Levi’s location was unknown until a call on the radio notified Craig Wright that CPR had begun.

Craig Wright said that Levi was found about a little more than half a mile downstream.

“Probably three to four culverts … upstream from that fourth culverts where they found him,” he said.

Craig Wright said calls to respond to scenes like this can stick with first responders forever, adding that some responders never get over them.

But knowing that Levi is on the road to recovery is something that he said will help them cope.

“That helps them the most, when they know that that their skills and everything they did, you know, mattered and helped save a life,” Craig Wright said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Pope Francis touches his eyes as he presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St....

Nicole Winfield, Associated Press

Pope rebukes Trump administration over migrant deportations, and appears to take direct aim at Vance

Pope Francis has issued a major rebuke to the Trump administration’s mass deportation of migrants.

3 hours ago

Steven Willard Anderson...

Michael Houck

Body of missing man found in Starvation Reservoir, sheriff’s office confirms

Authorities confirmed they found the body of a man who went missing nearly two decades ago in Starvation Reservoir.

5 hours ago

A group of cancer activists at Utah's Capitol Hill for Cancer Action Day. (American Cancer Society)...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Cancer activists to gather with elected officials on Capitol Hill

Activists and patients will be at Utah's Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, sharing their stories and pushing policies that aid the fight against cancer.

6 hours ago

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

16 hours ago

A Provo City banner pictured Oct. 2024. (Mark Less, KSL TV)...

Brian Carlson

Provo proposing water rate hike, city council to vote Tuesday

An upcoming vote could force Provo homeowners to pay more for water. The city council plans to vote Tuesday on a proposal to increase water rates across the board and penalize those who use the most.

17 hours ago

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation dur...

Darby Sparks

Salt Lake City police respond to weekend protest, vehicle vs pedestrian incident

Police give update to large protest downtown over the weekend that led to a minor confrontation during a march that blocked traffic.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Toddler who nearly drowned in Beaver out of coma, first responders recall rescue as ‘organized chaos’