A Tyler County woman and her two dogs were rescued from a frigid retention pond on Saturday morning thanks to the quick thinking of a 911 dispatcher and the surprising functionality of her smart phone.
On March 22, 2025, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the Tyler County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call where the dispatcher, Kaela Hassig, could hear a woman, later identified only as Morgan, screaming for help, stating she was in the water. Although Dispatcher Hassig could hear Morgan's cries, Morgan was unable to hear Kaela.
Utilizing the 911 mapping system, Hassig determined Morgan's approximate location on a private road off FM 256 East of Colmesneil. Tyler County Deputies, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers, Texas Game Wardens, Constable Tony Reynolds, and the Colmesneil Volunteer Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the area.
Throughout the ongoing 911 call, Morgan continued to scream for help, while Dispatcher Hassig did her best to reassure her that assistance was en route. As emergency personnel made their way to the location, Hassig could hear the increasing volume of their sirens through Morgan's open phone line, allowing her to relay to the responding officers that they were getting closer.
Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered an oil pad retention pond. From the top of the dam, they located Morgan in chest-deep water, clinging to her two dogs. The slick plastic liner of the pond prevented Morgan and the dogs from being able to climb out.
Game Warden Robert Mann entered the cold water to secure Morgan and the dogs. Deputy Monte Chastain and Trooper Tanner Shepherd then used a heavy-duty tow strap to pull all three to safety.
Once out of the water, Morgan explained to deputies that while on her usual walk, her dogs had jumped into the retention pond and were unable to get out due to the slippery lining. Morgan laid her phone and keys at the water's edge and attempted to rescue her pets. She subsequently slipped into the water and was also unable to escape the slick confines of the pond.
In a stroke of luck, Morgan yelled "Siri, call 911," and her phone, despite the distance, successfully connected to emergency services. However, Morgan was unsure if the dispatcher could hear her faint cries. It is estimated that Morgan was submerged in the extremely cold water for approximately 40 minutes. The air temperature had been a mere 35 degrees just a few hours prior.
EMS transported Morgan to the Tyler County Hospital for evaluation and treatment following her ordeal.
