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Appomattox River continuing to rise; dangerous for swimmers

Posted at 12:02 AM, Jul 14, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-14 11:44:40-04

PETERSBURG, Va. (WTVR) -- A Petersburg woman has a dire warning for others about the dangers of the Appomattox River.

Jeannie Miller described her late fiance as the "greatest dad in the world."

"Every diaper he was there to change, every bottle he was there to make," said Miller.

But now, Brian Ziegelbauer won't be able to see his five-month-old daughter grow up.

"It's the hardest thing in the world," Jeannie Miller told CBS 6 Reporter, Chelsea Rarrick.

Last Saturday 36-year-old Ziegelbauer and his friends were at the Appomattox River. Jeannie said her fiance went into the water, but then felt the current grab him. The water was too strong -- and crews later recovered his body.

"People have to realize this is no joke, because that could have been anybody," said Miller.

CBS 6 Meteorologist Mike Goldberg said the Appomattox Rive is continuing to rise rapidly.

"It's going to go up close to eight feet....we're at a level where it's considered very dangerous," said Goldberg.

Miller said she understands the dangers of the water and wants others to know the consequences.

"Be very, very careful because you don't know what's going on under that water," said Miller.