Incredibly Courageous Rescue Effort After Car Plunges Into River Near Edge Of Niagara Falls

About an hour ago witnesses saw a vehicle plunge into the Niagara River's freezing rapids less than 91 meters (about 300 feet) from the edge of the falls. Stephen Watson, a reporter for The Buffalo News, arrived on scene & kept a heart pounding account of the rescue attempt, which is included below in a Twitter thread.

I was on the edge of my seat hoping the person, along with the rescuers, would all be ok as I scrolled through that thread. It was all still unfolding in real time, so before submitting the blog I kept checking for updates so I could confirm the person was going to be alright. Your whole heart wants them to be, especially after such a remarkable effort by authorities. 

Unfortunately that is not the case here, and I was incredibly saddened by this update from the US Coast Guard:

I debated even submitting this blog to be published, but have decided to share out of sheer awe of the rescue effort by everyone involved. To face such a seemingly impossible situation in such a terrifying & harsh setting, and put all fears for self aside and try to help another person when the dangers are very real... A truly brave recovery effort & reminder of what first responders like this face every day.

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This was his final update before the Coast Guard confirmed the worst. 

My heart goes out to all the rescuers, everyone on the scene, & to the family of the victim. I hope it brings them some small peace that they were able to get her ashore.