EASTON, MASSACHUSETTS: A week-long search for a missing Massachusetts woman came to a dramatic end on Monday, July 3, when she was discovered stuck in mud in Borderland State Park, located south of Boston. The authorities believe Emma Tetewsky, 31, may have been trapped in the swampy area for three days before being rescued.
The rescue operation was initiated after hikers reported hearing a woman screaming for help in the "swamp-like area" of Borderland State Park. Easton and Stoughton Police Departments, along with the Easton Fire Department, swiftly responded to the call for assistance. The state park, approximately 30 miles south of Boston, is known for its fishing ponds, hiking trails, and biking routes. "The public never gave up hope that she would be located safely," expressed the Stoughton Police in a statement on Monday, acknowledging the community's unwavering support.
Who is Emma Tetewsky?
Emma Tetewsky was reported missing on June 26, with the last sighting near her residence in Stoughton, a town located 20 miles south of Boston. The authorities disclosed that she was known to frequent Pinewood Pond in Stoughton and Lake Massapoag in nearby Sharon, Massachusetts. Despite an extensive search effort involving various public safety assets such as drones, boats, and ground-level searches with police dogs, Tetewsky couldn't be found. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Department, Stoughton Fire Department, Quincy Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police collaborated in the search efforts to find her. Complicating the efforts, Tetewsky did not have a cell phone with her, necessitating reliance on public assistance.
Chief Donna M McNamara of the Stoughton Police appealed to residents living near waterways, urging them to check possible hiding places during a June 29 interview with WFXT-TV. "Check under any canoes or rafts you may have, if you have an outbuilding, shed, under the porch, anywhere she may seek shelter," Chief McNamara stated. Finally, a breakthrough occurred on Monday afternoon when hikers in Borderland State Park heard Tetewsky's desperate pleas for help. Unable to reach her on foot, they immediately contacted the authorities, and officers from Easton Police arrived promptly at the scene.
'The public never gave up hope that she would be located safely'
"Upon arrival, Easton officers heard Tetewsky but could not see her," stated the police. Undeterred, three officers waded through thick brush and swamp for 50 feet from the shore to reach Tetewsky's location. "It is believed that she may have been trapped at that location for at least three days," disclosed the Stoughton Police in a statement. Recognizing the need for specialized equipment, the Easton Police deployed ATVs to rescue Tetewsky and free her from the mud where she had been stuck for several days. Easton firefighters provided immediate medical treatment to her, who was alert and conscious. Then she was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where she received care for non-life-threatening injuries. And doctors expect her to make a full recovery soon.
Expressing gratitude for the collaborative search effort, the Stoughton Police released a statement: "There were so many agencies involved in the search for Emma over the last week. We thank everyone involved. The public never gave up hope that she would be located safely. She could not have been located without the public's help." Stoughton Police Chief McNamara acknowledged the vital role played by the public in the rescue, expressing, "If it wasn't for the public helping us and giving us tips over the last five days, we wouldn't have been able to locate her. This is the best possible outcome."
Commendation for the swift response to rescue Emma Tetewsky
Chief Keith Boone of the Easton Police commended his department's officers for their swift response, stating, "Their immediate action resulted in saving Emma Tetewsky. We'd also like to thank our incredible Fire Department, Borderland State Park rangers, and the hikers who heard Emma and called 911. Without this coordinated effort, this rescue would not have been successful."
Among the rescuers was firefighter Toni Ioannidis, who joined the efforts on an ATV after the police officers carried Tetewsky out of the swamp. Reflecting on the rescue, Ioannidis said, "It's nerve-wracking because there could be plenty of different things going on with her. You go in there with your best intentions to go and make sure she's okay and get her out. We all get into this job because we like to help people. So it's always kind of gratifying to know that we help somebody out," to WCVB.
