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Woman drowns at Wendt Beach trying to rescue girls

A woman drowned Thursday night at Wendt Beach while trying to reach her daughter and another young girl struggling in the waters of Lake Erie.  People on the beach called 911 around 7 p.m. Evans police say a 10-year-old girl was able to make her way to shore on her own.

Authorities say Lt. Bradley DiMartino spotted the head of the other girl in in the water and swam out to help her. DiMartino and  Officer Jeffrey DeVinney were able to bring the 11-year-old girl to shore. Both girls were conscious and alert and taken to Women and Children's Hospital.

The woman's body was found about an hour later. She is identified as Mary E. Creighton, 51, of Buffalo. 

Town of Evans police were assisted by the Erie County Sheriff's Department, Town of Hamburg Police Department Water Rescue Unit, U.S. Coast Guard and firefighters from Evans Center, Lake Erie Beach, Highland, North Evans and Lakeview.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz commended the Evans Police Department, noting officers jumped in the water to help with rescue efforts. Poloncarz adds there were no lifeguards on duty because swimming is not allowed at Wendt Beach.