Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany and a pilot sustained minor injuries after their plane made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday evening, with first responders aiding their rescue.
Wisconsin Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany and a pilot escaped with minor injuries after their small plane lost power and made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau on Saturday evening, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred as Tiffany was returning from the La Crosse County Lincoln Day Dinner, with the pilot executing a forced landing on the lake before the aircraft began to submerge. Both men were rescued and transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where they received care.
The Emergency Landing and Rescue
Tiffany described the harrowing experience in a statement shared on social media, detailing how the four-seat Bonanza aircraft lost power while approaching Wausau Downtown Airport. The pilot made an emergency water landing in Lake Wausau,
he wrote on X. As the plane began to sink, Tiffany and the pilot exited and swam to a shallow area, where they waited for emergency responders. As the plane began to submerge, we exited the aircraft and swam to a shallow area, where we waited until emergency responders reached us by boat,
he said.
The Wausau Fire Department and other first responders arrived quickly, pulling both men from the water and transporting them to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Tiffany later expressed gratitude to the pilot and emergency personnel, stating, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the pilot, the Wausau Fire Department, and all of the first responders who came to our aid so quickly.
He added, They got us safely off the water and transported us to Aspirus Wausau Hospital, where we received excellent care.
Reactions and Gratitude
Tiffany’s wife, Chris, was by his side at the hospital following the incident, and he reflected on the experience in a Facebook post. God was watching over us tonight, and I am incredibly grateful to be here in the hospital with my wife, Chris, by my side,
he wrote. An experience like this reminds you just how precious life is.
His remarks were echoed by supporters and political figures, with one social media user writing, My god! What an ordeal. Very grateful everyone is safe,
and another adding, So thankful you are all alive and able to see your loved ones.
Democratic gubernatorial opponent David Crowley also expressed relief, tweeting, I’m grateful to God that Congressman Tiffany and no one else was hurt in this horrifying incident, which could have been a tragedy if not for the heroism of the pilot.
Crowley wished Tiffany a quick recovery
and that they can find solace with their loved ones.
Investigation and Next Steps
The cause of the reported power loss remains under investigation. Tiffany currently represents Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District and is running as the Republican candidate for governor in the state’s upcoming election.
Both FOX9 and wkow.com reported that the incident occurred on Saturday, with Tiffany’s campaign team confirming the details.
Political Context and Public Response
For now, the focus remains on Tiffany’s recovery and the lessons learned from the emergency landing. His public statements have underscored the importance of gratitude and resilience.
