State Police Helicopter Air 4, piloted by Trooper John Hazelrigg and carrying Tactical Flight Officer Russ Phippen, responded. The crew saw the man slip further into neck-deep water.
The pilot was able to get the helicopter into position so Phippen could hang out the side of the helicopter and grab the man from the water. During the maneuver, the landing skids of the helicopter were in the water and the door froze, preventing the troopers from shutting it.
The crew flew the victim directly to Lowell General Hospital where he received emergency care for hypothermia and is expected to survive.
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