COLLETTSVILLE, N.C. — A mother and her 1-year-old child died after drowning in a creek in Caldwell County, Saturday night.
NC Wildlife Resource Commission Law Enforcement units found three victims in the water in Wilson Creek Gorge, according to a Caldwell County spokesperson.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene off of Brown Mountain Beach Road around 6:30 p.m.
“The family was out, looking at the beauty of Wilson Creek,” Caldwell County Emergency Services Director Trevor Key said. “They came to take pictures, and slipped on the rocks and at that point, three people were in the water from slipping on very steep rock.”
Two of the people pulled from the water were unconscious and responders tried to resuscitate them. A 1-year-old and their mother died at the scene.
Crews stayed there for several hours to help law enforcement with the investigation and to provide high-angle rope systems for the recovery.
Key says there have been 9 drownings since 2015 in the short section of Wilson Creek Gorge and the majority related to slip and falls.
“As you can see the national forest is a very beautiful place, very pristine place for people to enjoy recreationally, Key said. “There’s water recreation, hiking… but it can also be dangerous.”
He is asking people to take extra precautions when visiting.
“The rocks are slick. Make sure to wear proper footwear, and a life jacket, those safety measures can mean a lot,” Key said. “Even if you are familiar with the area, if you think you are a great swimmer, once you fall and hit your head and become incapacitated … a life jacket is key.”
Meanwhile, tributes are pouring in for Jackson and her youngest child. Jackson is remembered for her beautiful spirit, smile, and commitment to patient care. A GoFundMe page says in part “To know Chelsea is to love her. A beautiful spirit full of love and life.
A meal train was also set up to help Jackson's son and husband. It reads "Please help us to make sure Joel and Amos are loved and cared for through this challenging time."
“It’s very difficult, especially a child … anyone losing their life, especially being in our profession our hearts go out to them,” Key said.
Agencies responding to the drowning included: Collettsville Fire Rescue, Caldwell County EMS, Caldwell County Emergency Management, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, and US Forest Service Law Enforcement.
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