INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO):  Today, Governor Mike Pence released the following statement below, commending the responders and rescuers for their efforts to save the life of a young Illinois boy who was trapped under eleven feet of sand for more than three hours last Friday. The child is currently recovering at a Chicago hospital.

“As I told Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer yesterday, I  express my deepest admiration and utmost gratitude for the Michigan City first responders and all others involved whose efforts were paramount to the rescue of young Nathan Woessner last week.

“They include the Michigan City Police and Fire Departments, Fire Chief Ronnie Martin, Firefighter Brad Kreighbaum, the LaPorte County EMS, St. Anthony Health in Michigan City, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park Rangers, including Bruce Rowe, the University of Chicago Medical Center and Comer’s Children’s Hospital, including Dr. Tracy Koogler and fellow doctors, D&M Excavators, Woodruff & Son Excavators, NIPSCO, the Red Cross, LaPorte Deputy Coroner Mark Huffman, volunteer firefighter Ryan Miller, local lifeguards and volunteers. Their courage, commitment and persistence epitomize the character of our great state and illustrate for the world the quality and compassion of Hoosiers.

“As the young boy’s father said to me, ‘This is everyone’s miracle.’ I wholeheartedly agree and commend these brave men and women for their swift work in bringing this young boy to safety and improved health.”