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Utah duck hunter injured trying to rescue dog from hot spring

Posted at 4:58 PM, Nov 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-29 19:05:32-05

PAYSON, Utah - A man who was duck hunting near Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge in a remote stretch of Juab County was severely burned Sunday while attempting to save his dog's life.

Nathan Minnick was hunting in an area known as Wilson Hot Springs.   It is accessed by a small stretch of BLM land, but is actually a restricted area that's part of Dugway Proving Ground.

His dog, Jimbo, was walking on or near some boards, and fell into a pool of hot water.

Minnick reached in to save the dog, and when the water didn't feel extremely hot, he jumped in.

Minnick received second and third degree burns on his legs, lower torso and forearms.  His dog succumbed to his injuries, and died.

According to his sister, Kelly Wiley, Minnick walked a long distance carrying his dog to his car. He drove around the mountain until he had cellphone service and called the Juab County Sheriff's Office.  A medical helicopter was dispatched and transported Minnick to the Burn Unit at the University of Utah Hospital.

A GoFundMe page was set up for Minnick, to help cover his medical expenses. It can be found here.