Individual Pulled from Red River, Hospitalized in Critical Condition

Emergency responders rescued the unidentified person after they fell through the ice near the Main Avenue bridge.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Fargo police say an individual is in critical condition after being pulled from the Red River near the Main Avenue bridge. The person was seen walking on the ice before falling through and into the river, triggering an emergency response from both Fargo and Moorhead. The initial call came in at 2:35 p.m., and the person was pulled from the river around 3:40 p.m. and transported to a local hospital.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of venturing onto frozen rivers, especially as temperatures fluctuate. The Red River is a popular recreation area, but can be treacherous when the ice is unstable or unsafe. The quick response from emergency crews likely saved the individual's life, but the person remains in critical condition.

The details

According to Lieutenant Matt Siders of the Fargo Police Department, witnesses saw the unidentified individual walking on the ice before they fell through into the frigid river waters. Both Fargo and Moorhead emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and the person was pulled from the river around an hour later.

  • The initial call came in at 2:35 p.m. on March 3, 2026.
  • The individual was pulled from the river around 3:40 p.m. the same day.

The players

Lieutenant Matt Siders

A member of the Fargo Police Department who provided details about the incident.

Ryan Erickson

The Fargo Fire Marshal who confirmed the person was pulled from the river.

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What’s next

The individual's identity and current condition at the hospital have not been released by authorities.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of exercising caution around frozen bodies of water, especially as weather conditions can make ice unstable and dangerous. Emergency responders were able to quickly rescue the individual, but their critical condition underscores the risks of falling through the ice.