Teen Injured After Fall From Fergus Falls Bridge, Hospitalized
On the morning of December 2, 2025 a 17-year-old male was found on the Otter Tail River shoreline after falling from the Veteran Bridge on Tower Road in Fergus Falls, he suffered injuries and effects of cold weather and was taken to Lake Region Healthcare for treatment. Fergus Falls Fire and Police Departments were dispatched around 8 a.m., officers spoke with the youth and family at the scene, and police said there was no apparent criminal element at the time of the report.
Emergency crews responded on the morning of December 2 after a 17-year-old male was located on the Otter Tail River shoreline following a fall from the Veteran Bridge on Tower Road in Fergus Falls. Fergus Falls Fire and Police Departments were dispatched around 8 a.m., and responders provided medical care at the scene before transporting the teen to Lake Region Healthcare for further treatment. Authorities reported the youth suffered physical injuries from the fall and exposure to cold weather.
Officers spoke with the young man and family members at the scene while firefighters and other responders assessed injuries and administered initial care. The police report indicated there was no apparent criminal element to the incident at the time of the report, and the station's writeup noted that hospital transport was required. No additional details about the extent of the injuries were released.
The incident highlights local safety concerns as temperatures drop and riverbanks become treacherous. Falls from bridges and slips along shorelines carry added risks in early December because cold weather increases the danger of hypothermia and can complicate rescues. For residents in Otter Tail County, the event underscores the importance of caution near water and elevated structures, especially for young people and those unfamiliar with winter conditions.
Fergus Falls emergency services demonstrated coordinated response by firefighters and police, and the quick decision to move the injured person to Lake Region Healthcare ensured access to higher level medical care. The community can expect local agencies to continue monitoring bridge and river areas and to provide guidance if additional safety measures are recommended.
If you witness an emergency on a bridge or riverbank, call 911 immediately and provide clear location details. Check on family members and neighbors who may be walking near waterfronts in cold weather, and avoid venturing onto icy or unstable surfaces alone.
