Heartbreaking Ice Accident in Albany Leaves One Child Dead and Another Fighting for Survival!
A tragic accident occurred on Saturday in Albany, New York, when two children fell through the ice at Washington Park Lake. An 11-year-old girl is now fighting for her life, and a 12-year-old boy tragically lost his life after falling into a frozen lake.
The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. when a witness called the Albany Police Department to report that the two children had fallen in near the park’s lake house.
When emergency responders arrived just minutes later, they first found the young girl. Investigators believe she saw the boy fall through the ice and rushed in to try and save him.
Sadly, she fell through the ice as well. The girl was rescued and taken to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
A search by the New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team led to the discovery of the boy’s body later that evening around 7:25 p.m.
The water rescue team had been on standby, and their quick action was critical in recovering the boy’s body. The lake is approximately 1,600 feet long and 140 feet wide, with ice that proved too dangerous for the children to cross.
Investigators believe the boy was walking across the lake when the ice suddenly gave way beneath him. According to Albany’s Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, Joseph Gregory, the operation to rescue the children was challenging, but he praised the efforts of the first responders who worked tirelessly to save them.
In a statement, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan expressed her sorrow over the incident and thanked the emergency responders for their heroic efforts.
“This is a tragic reminder of how dangerous any body of water can be, especially when thin ice forms,” Sheehan said. “I want to thank all of the first responders who worked tirelessly to save these young lives.”
The names of the children involved have not been released due to their ages. However, their families have been notified.
The City School District of Albany, where both children attended school, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow. “Our hearts go out to the families of these students at this incredibly difficult time,” said Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter.
The district is offering crisis services for students and staff at North Albany Middle School and other nearby schools.
Following the accident, residents expressed their concern about the ice at Washington Park Lake, with some recalling their own experiences of walking on the ice in past winters.
In response to the tragedy, “Keep off the ice” signs were quickly placed around the lake. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department usually places these signs after it’s deemed safe to skate, but they decided to put them up earlier this year to prevent further accidents.
Albany’s Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, Joseph Gregory, warned that fluctuating temperatures have made ice surfaces in the area unstable.
He advised residents to avoid going onto the ice and to never attempt to rescue someone who has fallen in. “If someone falls through the ice, don’t go in after them.
Call 911 immediately, and if possible, try to help by throwing a rope or a line,” Gregory urged.
This incident highlights the dangers of thin ice, especially as the weather turns colder, and serves as a painful reminder of the need to stay safe near frozen lakes and ponds.
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