Teen trying to save family dogs gets stuck in well, California rescuers say

A teenager who climbed down an abandoned well to try to save two family dogs also ended up requiring rescue, California firefighters reported.

Firefighters responded to reports of a 15-year-old trapped in an abandoned well shaft south of Grass Valley at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, May 24, the Nevada County Consolidated Fire District said in a May 25 news release.

The teen climbed 15 to 20 feet down the well after the dogs but was unable to climb back out, firefighters said.

Firefighters set up a vertical rope rescue and brought the teen and dogs to the surface about an hour later, the agency said.

The 15-year-old had no injuries, firefighters said. The dogs were treated for dehydration and released. They are expected to recover.

“This incident is a reminder of the importance of avoiding unsecured structures and calling for help immediately in emergencies,” Fire Chief Jason Robitaille said in a statement.

Grass Valley is about a 60-mile drive northeast from Sacramento.

This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM with the headline "Teen trying to save family dogs gets stuck in well, California rescuers say."