Man drowns after rescuing friend’s Labrador from slough in North Dakota

Chris Hendricks, 30, of Champlin drowned early on the morning of Nov. 12 after wading into a North Dakota slough to rescue a friend’s young yellow Labrador, authorities said. The dog, named Clyde, was pulled from the icy water by Hendricks, and the friend who called for help was treated for hypothermia and exposure at Ashley Medical Center.

Why this matters

The incident has left one family mourning and highlighted the real dangers people face when attempting water rescues in cold weather. Hendricks’ action saved a single animal — one dog named Clyde — but cost him his life. The episode drew responses from emergency personnel and colleagues who described Hendricks’ character and selflessness.

What happened

The slough incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 12. According to local reports, Hendricks stripped off his hunting clothes and entered the icy water to reach Clyde, a young yellow Labrador belonging to his friend, Max DiVenere. After Hendricks pulled the dog free, he did not regain consciousness.

DiVenere, who had been hunting with Hendricks, called for help. The local volunteer fire department responded and emergency personnel transported DiVenere to Ashley Medical Center, where he was treated for hypothermia and exposure. In recordings and responder accounts, DiVenere told crews at the scene, “No, Chris is not breathing.” Hendricks’ body was recovered the following day, on Nov. 13.

Family members planned a celebration of life for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, in Noblesville, Ind., with visitation at noon. Friends, coworkers and relatives have used the dates to gather and remember a man described as practical, capable and quick to help others.

Voices remembering Hendricks

Colleagues and family painted a portrait of someone equal parts book-smart and grounded. “Chris was book smart, but he was also street smart,” said Halli Hoyt, a colleague at Polaris. “When I heard Chris had died in an accident, and I didn’t yet know the particulars, I knew it had to be some sort of selfless act. It just had to be.”

Hendricks’ father, Joe Hendricks, recalled taking his son hunting from an early age. “I took Chris hunting with me the first time when he was 12,” he said, remembering a boy who grew up comfortable in the outdoors. Family members have pointed to those early outings while reflecting on how natural it was for Hendricks to step forward in a crisis.

Agencies and treatment

The local volunteer fire department answered DiVenere’s call and assisted with the scene. First responders stabilized DiVenere and transported him to Ashley Medical Center, where staff treated him for hypothermia and exposure. Hendricks was employed as a product manager at Polaris, and colleagues there have shared condolences with his family.

Regional outlets such as the Star Tribune, KARE 11 and KSTP have provided additional on-the-ground reporting about the attempt to rescue the dog and the subsequent recovery operation. Those reports outline the timeline from the early-morning call through the recovery on Nov. 13 and the memorial arrangements.

Context: sloughs, thin ice and cold-water risk

Sloughs are shallow, marshy bodies of water often found on prairies and around wetlands. In late fall, thin ice, cold runoff and submerged vegetation create unpredictable hazards. Hunters and dog owners commonly use these habitats, and dogs—particularly retrievers like Labradors—are drawn to water, which can quickly lead them onto weak ice or into open, frigid channels.

Cold-water rescues are especially dangerous because of cold shock and the rapid onset of hypothermia. Even a strong swimmer can become incapacitated within minutes. Emergency services and rescuers caution that entering icy water without flotation or a plan often turns a single emergency into multiple casualties.

Practical safety reminders

Rescue and outdoor safety experts offer clear advice: if a dog or person is in cold water, call emergency services immediately. If you must attempt a rescue from shore, use a long object—rope, branch, throw bag, or life ring—to reach the animal instead of entering the water.

Other practical steps include wearing a personal flotation device, staying low and anchored on stable ground, and keeping a phone handy for emergency calls. For hunters and dog handlers, carrying a throw rope, a waterproof blanket, dry change of clothes and hand warmers can make a big difference after exposure.

If someone is pulled from cold water, treat them for hypothermia: remove wet clothing, cover with dry blankets, move to shelter and seek medical attention promptly. Avoid rapid rewarming like hot baths, which can send cold blood to the core and cause cardiovascular stress; instead, use gradual, steady warming and let medical personnel guide treatment.

Family and community response

Hendricks’ family and coworkers emphasized his character and the selfless nature of his final act. As colleagues, friends and relatives gathered to remember him, details for visitation and the celebration of life were shared to allow the community to pay respects on Nov. 23 in Noblesville.

The small scale of the incident—a single Labrador named Clyde and a single fatality—underscores its personal intensity. Those who knew Hendricks described his rescue as consistent with a temperament that put others first. Polaris and local residents have expressed condolences and offered support to the family.

What to keep in mind

Cold-water incidents can escalate rapidly. This case serves as a painful reminder to prioritize safety and to equip hunters, dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts with the training and gear needed for winter conditions.

Hendricks is survived by family members including his father, Joe Hendricks, and an uncle, John Hendricks, who have participated in public remembrances. The scheduled visitation and celebration of life will provide an opportunity for friends, colleagues and family to honor a life marked by quiet competence and a willingness to help others.

This account is based on reporting that traces the timeline from the early-morning incident on Nov. 12 through the recovery of Hendricks’ body on Nov. 13 and the planned memorial on Nov. 23. For more on the local reporting, see coverage from the Star Tribune, KARE 11 and KSTP.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.