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Joshua Zieammermann, 21, was with two friends about 5 p.m. Sunday at Kelley's Slab, on Marion County Road 4002, when he tried to cross the low-water bridge and fell into the creek, said authorities with the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Heavy rains had caused the creek to wash over the bridge.

Zieammermann often swam at Kelley's Slab, and went there Sunday to fish and swim after working on vehicles that day, said Edith Rochow, a friend of the family.

"They've gone out there for years," she said, adding that her son, Aaron Rochow, 21, had jumped in and tried to save his friend.

On Monday, family and friends were gathered at the top of a hill near the road as divers searched the rushing creek below.

Authorities searched the creek until 1 a.m. Monday, but were unsuccessful, authorities said.

Rescue teams searched about a quarter of a mile downstream, as well as upstream, said authorities with the Marion County Sheriff's Office. The high creek was swift and muddy due to the heavy rains, authorities said.

On Monday, about 25 people from several agencies were involved in the search. At 11 a.m., Baxter County Sheriff's Office Deputy Henry Campfield, a member of the dive team, was diving below the bridge as members from other search-and-rescue teams stood nearby to assist him.

"The water is so vicious," Campfield said, after he took a break from diving. He said the water was dangerous, and its force easily could have taken off a diving face mask.

Divers found Zieammermann's body shortly after noon, about 300 yards downstream from the area, Marion County authorities said.

Other agencies that assisted in the search were the Marion County Search & Rescue Swift Water Team, which is a part of Marion County Emergency Rescue; the Bull Shoals Dive Team, Yellville Fire Department, Summit Fire Department, Marion County Office of Emergency Management, Arkansas Game & Fish officers, Arkansas State Police, and state and national park services.

Wal-Mart of Flippin also provided canopies, chairs and food to the family and rescue teams, authorities said.


JOANNE BRATTON
Bulletin Staff Writer
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