Two Canadian citizens survive harrowing ordeal at Middle Falls along the U.S.-Canadian border

Two Canadian citizens are safe after encountering a harrowing experience at Middle Falls along the Canadian and U.S. border near Grand Portage State Park Sunday, June 4.

At approximately 2:25 p.m., a report of two individuals that fell off the falls in Grand Portage State Park along the U.S. and Canadian border was placed to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

The Canadian citizens, 22-year-old Dillyan Dubray and 21-year-old Gavin Russell, were visiting the Middle Falls from the Canadian side when Dubray’s dog fell into the Pigeon River. Dubray jumped into Pigeon River to try and rescue his dog. He was able to get his dog on shore but was swept downriver due to the strong currents. According to the sheriff’s office report, most of Dubray’s clothes were torn off from the river’s current.

Dubray lost consciousness temporarily and washed up on shore on the U.S. side of the border. He regained consciousness and waited for first responders and law enforcement to arrive. Russell then swam over to the U.S. side to check on and help Dubray.

In addition to losing much of his clothes due to the turbulence of the Pigeon River currents, Dubray sustained an injured ankle and various abrasions and bruises.

Canadian Border Service Officers, U.S. Customs Officers, Ontario Provincial Police, Grand Portage State Park staff, Pigeon River Provincial Park, Minnesota State Patrol, and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call.

According to the sheriff’s report, Canadian First Responders retrieved Dubray and Russell by boat on the Pigeon River at approximately 5 p.m.

Kalli Hawkins June 5, 2023