'Pray for the best:' Searchers scour river for missing man who may have jumped in to save his dog



PLYMOUTH, Wis. -- Plymouth police are searching for a Greenbush man who went missing Thursday, Oct. 3, after his dog jumped into the Mullet River. Police say 63-year-old Kevan McClintock is presumed to have gone into the water to save his pup. McClintock's dog was found safe about a block away, but its owner hasn't been seen since 12:30 a.m. Thursday.

Christopher Ringel



During their efforts to find McClintock, search teams battled high waters and a fast-moving current. On Friday afternoon, Oct. 4, dive teams were cleared to enter the Mullet River and continue their search underwater.

"We don't actually have confirmation that he went into the water," said Christopher Ringel, deputy chief of the Plymouth Police Department. "There's a presumption that he did."

Man missing in Plymouth



Man missing in Plymouth



The search drew multiple agencies to the quiet town, including the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department and the National Guard. Thursday, a Blackhawk helicopter overlooked the search operation.

"The water's not clear right now," said Ringel.

Man missing in Plymouth



Man missing in Plymouth



High water and a rushing current created challenges for rescuers looking for some clarity.

"With all the water, the banks are saturated," said Ringel. "It's muddy, it's slippery, the water is moving rather quickly. It can whisk you away quicker than you might be able to save yourself."

Man missing in Plymouth



As efforts continued in the air, on the ground and underwater, McClintock's family, friends and the community were hoping for answers.

"We're a small, tight-knit community, so everybody's thoughts and prayers are with him and his family," said Ringel. "We always pray for the best, and we pray it's not going to be the worst."