December 19, 2011
From The Muskegon Chronicle
I am writing about a near death experience that I encountered on
the Muskegon River near Mill Iron Road on the afternoon of Dec. 9.
While on a scouting trip for duck hunting, I capsized my boat and
was thrown in to 40-degree water. I went under three times before I
was able to hang onto a log for 20 minutes. The air temperature was
27 degrees.
After calling for help to no avail, a boat with Dan Kitchka and
his son, Matt, happened to come up the river. They saw the gas can
from my boat floating nearby and realized something was wrong.
Eventually, they saw my hand waving.
Normally, they would not have gone upriver to scout, but
something told them to do so before calling it a day. I have no
doubt there was a higher power that led them to do this.
Once they got me back to the launch, Craig Long and his son,
Hunter, assisted Matt and Dan in getting my wadders and coat off to
try and warm me up. They realized I was in a life-and-death
situation and called 911.
Dave Glotzbach from Muskegon Township Fire Department arrived on
the scene, quickly assessed the situation and immediately called for
an ambulance.
Pro-med Ambulance arrived within minutes and started an IV with warm
saline solution to start warming up my body. I had reached a low
temperature of 83 degrees.
On the way to Mercy Health Partners, their personnel were awesome
as they continually reassured me that I was going to be all right.
Upon arrive at the hospital, Dr. Ryan Offman, nurse Kelly Ordiz and
the rest of the emergency room staff were waiting and immediately
started the process of warming my body up.
It was estimated that if I had been in the water a few more
minutes, I could have gone into cardiac arrest. To these people, I
will forever owe my life.
In addition, I need to thank Joe Strong who kept my truck secure
at his house. Additionally, Joe, Craig, Hunter, Matt and Dan helped
in retrieving my boat and motor.
Also, I want to thank Dave Janusiewicz who took the time to drain
the motor so it would not freeze up along with putting the boat on
the trailer and keeping it at his house until I could pick it up.
I will never be able to find the words to thank them enough for
saving my life and all the thoughtful things they did afterward.
So, when you question whether angels truly exist, just call me
and I will assure you they are alive and well in Muskegon. Because
of these “angels,” I will be able to enjoy the best Christmas ever.
Jeff Holden
Muskegon
