Photographer slips toward freezing creek

COLUMBIA — Members of the Boone County Fire Protection District rescued a 21-year-old man from sliding into a creek along the MKT Trail on Thursday morning.

An official from the Department of Water and Light found Douglas Stevenson sliding toward the creek head-first, said Gale Blomenkamp, Fire District spokesman.

Stevenson told rescue workers he was walking along the slope taking photos when he slipped.

At around 9:30 a.m., the official walked to the district’s station across the street from where he found Stevenson.

When firefighters arrived, Stevenson was unconscious. He was later alert and talking, complaining of back, leg and arm pain. Rescue workers used a system of pulleys and ropes to lift Stevenson from the steep slope.

He was taken to University Hospital to be treated for moderate to serious injuries.