Four individuals, including a dog, tragically lost their lives during a rescue attempt in Bastrop County, Texas. They became trapped in a hole while trying to save the dog, which had fallen into an underground cistern filled with water. Strong smells emanating from the cistern were observed, and all attempts to save the individuals and the dog were unsuccessful. The victims have been identified as Delvys Garcia, Denise Martinez, Noel Vigil-Benitez, and the dog’s remains were taken by a funeral home. The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Jessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk reported
Four individuals, including two men, a woman, and a dog, tragically lost their lives during a rescue attempt after the dog became trapped in a hole in Bastrop County, Texas. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at approximately 1 a.m. reporting that three people were stuck in a hole in a cornfield located on New Trails in Bastrop County. Upon arrival, first responders discovered an underground water tank, known as a cistern, filled with water. Unpleasant odors emanated from the cistern, and signs of life were absent. It was found later that the cistern contained hydrogen sulfite gas. According to Sheriff Maurice Cook, a group of individuals were hunting wild hogs on private property when their dog escaped from their vehicle. They pursued the dog and eventually found it trapped in the cistern. One of the hunters attempted to rescue the dog but became trapped as well. In a desperate attempt to save the first individual and the dog, two others jumped into the cistern. Meanwhile, a fourth person went to get help and called emergency services. Unfortunately, the water level in the cistern was at ground level, preventing anyone from escaping. Consequently, all three individuals and the dog lost their lives. The victims were identified as Delvys Garcia, aged 37, Denise Martinez, aged 26, and Noel Vigil-Benitez, aged 45, all from Florida. The dog was traced through its collar by the fourth person who had sought assistance. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and autopsies have been ordered. The bodies, along with the dog, have been transferred to the medical examiner’s office by a local funeral home..