Heartbreaking Loss: 12-Year-Old Dies, Girl Hospitalized After Ice Break in New York Park!
A tragic accident in Washington Square Park on Sunday has left a 12-year-old boy dead and an 11-year-old girl in critical condition.
The children fell through a thin sheet of ice near the lake house at around 4:35 pm, according to reports from NBC News. Emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving calls about multiple children falling into the icy water.
The girl was quickly rescued and transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. The boy’s body was later recovered by the NYPD’s underwater recovery team. Officials have not yet released their names.
Albany police believe the boy fell through the ice while attempting to walk toward the lake house. The girl reportedly tried to help him but also fell through the fragile ice. Both children were students at North Albany Middle School.
Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “Our hearts go out to the families of these students at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
The school district will offer crisis counseling to help students and staff cope with the loss when classes resume.
Albany Fire Chief Joseph Gregory emphasized the dangers of walking on ice, noting that unstable and unpredictable conditions often lead to accidents.
“Hopefully, people will follow the rules and stay off the ice,” Gregory stated. He explained that no amount of ice thickness is truly safe, especially with the fluctuating temperatures that weaken its structure.
Mayor Kathy Sheehan also shared her condolences, calling the incident a “tragic reminder” of the dangers posed by thin ice. “I want to thank all the first responders who worked tirelessly last night in an attempt to save two young lives,” she said, urging residents to exercise caution around bodies of water.
Gregory shared important ice safety tips to help prevent similar tragedies. He cautioned against walking on icy surfaces with slush on top, as slush ice is weaker and signals instability.
He also advised against attempting a rescue without proper equipment if someone falls through the ice. Instead, he suggested throwing a rope, branch, or jumper cables to the victim and calling 911 immediately.
As the community mourns this devastating loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ice safety during colder months. Authorities are urging families to prioritize safety and avoid venturing onto frozen water surfaces.
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