Medina County priest says he’s blessed by support after water rescue

LITCHFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A Medina County priest said he is blessed by all of the support he has received since falling into a river and being rescued over the weekend.

Father Ned Weist of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Litchfield Township fell into a river behind the church on Norwalk Road while inspecting the damage to a dam and bridge.

“The outpouring of support that I have received from the Northeast Ohio community has been a blessing. I am very grateful that I didn’t have more severe injuries, and that God sent so many wonderful people to my rescue,” said Father Weist in a statement sent to media outlets Monday.

Terry Leahy, a church member who does maintenance, tried to help the priest by holding his head out of the water until emergency crews arrived. Emergency crews said Leahy was treated and released at the scene.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to the Wellington Dive Team, Litchfield Fire Department and Terry Leahy for rescuing me. Terry, our maintenance man at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, kept my head above water for nearly an hour until emergency crews arrived and lifted me from the creek. He was my guardian angel. I also would like to thank the staff at MetroHealth for the extraordinary care they have provided,” said Father Weist.

Father Weist had to undergo surgery for broken bones he sustained during the incident.

He said in his statement that he does not wish to do any interviews with the media.

“I need to focus on my recovery and will do so by taking it one day at a time,” he said.