The former captain of the Etowah County, Alabama Rescue Squad, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of fellow rescuer Vicky Ryan in a April 25 water rescue attempt. Michael Bettis, 49, faces the Class A misdemeanor charge and was booked into jail Tuesday. Bond was set at $2,500.

More: Captain Heard Screams While in Middle of TV Interview About Ongoing Operation (via Statter911.com)

Rescuers were searching for a missing kayaker who was swept into the water. They crews deployed rescue boats, one of which got too close to a dam and was swept over followed soon thereafter by a second rescue boat. In all, nine rescuers ended up in the Big Wills Creek including Ryan, 46, Al.com reported.

Ryan died at the hospital soon after being pulled from the water. Three other rescuers were hurt. Al.com reported that Ryan’s husband was also a member of the squad. She also leaves behind a son.

The body of the original victim crews were deployed to find was recovered the next day.

An investigation by the state’s law enforcement agency indicated the death was the result of a boat with an inexperienced operator, WBRC.com reported.

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