Funeral Held For 1 Of 2 SD Drowning Victims

Friends and family gathered in Vermillion to say goodbye to a teenager who drowned in Sioux Falls while trying to rescue her younger brother.

Sixteen-year-old Madison Wallace died in the Big Sioux River at Falls Park late last week trying to save her six-year-old brother Garrett, who had fallen into the water but later emerged unhurt. A bystander, 28-year-old Lyle Eagle Tail, also died trying to help.

People who knew Madison said she overcame the challenges of an autism disorder and grew into a girl who thought of others before herself, often giving family members homemade gifts.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be buried later in Utah.

Eagle Tail's funeral is scheduled Saturday in Rapid City.