Family friend drowns while trying to save 12-year-old girl in river, MN family says
A man “heroically” saved a 12-year-old girl from drowning in the Mississippi River, then went under the water and never resurfaced, Minnesota family members said.
Ron Highet, 56, was pulled from the water the next day, July 20, the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office and family through GoFundMe said.
“His selfless act of courage in those final moments perfectly captured the way he lived his life: always putting others first,” family wrote in a GoFundMe.
Witnesses said a family friend and the 12-year-old girl waded into the water without life jackets when the girl was seen flailing her arms and in distress, deputies said.
The girl was pulled out of the water by a nearby boat assisting with the rescue, but Highet went under the water. Authorities deployed drones and launched a search for the man, deputies said.
Family said in a GoFundMe they, including his three children, are “heartbroken” after his tragic death.
“A man of many talents and skilled craftsman, Ron had a lifelong fascination with rocks—hunting, collecting, and polishing them with care,” his obituary said. “He also had a passion for ghost hunting, crystals, woodworking, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. Ever the problem-solver, he was the family’s go-to tech guru, always ready to fix a computer or troubleshoot a gadget.”
Goodhue County is about a 65-mile drive southeast from Minneapolis.
Drowning
At least 4,000 people die from drowning every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and drowning is a leading cause of death for children.
Some factors can make drowning more likely, including not knowing how to swim, a lack of close supervision, not wearing a life jacket and drinking alcohol while recreating near or in water.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance said there are tips to help keep you safe in the water, including checking local weather conditions, never swimming alone and choosing the right equipment.
“Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right,” the group said on its website. “Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.”
This story was originally published July 25, 2025 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Family friend drowns while trying to save 12-year-old girl in river, MN family says."
