An 11-year-old girl was left fighting for her life and a 12-year-old boy died after falling into the ice of Washington Park Lake in Albany, New York, on Saturday. The boy was found dead at the scene, and the girl was treated at the scene before being transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.
The incident occurred around 4:30 pm when a witness called 911 to report that two children had fallen into the ice. First responders arrived at the scene seven minutes later and found the girl, who had attempted to rescue the boy by following in his footsteps across the lake. The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team recovered the boy’s body around 7:25 pm.
The lake, which is approximately 1,600 feet long and 140 feet wide with depths ranging from 6.6 to 11 feet, has been a popular spot for walking and skating. However, investigators believe that the boy attempted to walk across the lake towards the lake house when the ice broke beneath his feet.
All rescue efforts were described as a “tough operation for everyone involved” by Chief of Fire and Emergency Services Joseph Gregory. Mayor Kathy Sheehan thanked first responders and recovery teams for their services and expressed her condolences to the families of both children.
The incident has raised concerns about the dangers of walking on ice, particularly as the weather gets colder and thin ice forms. The city has placed “Keep off the ice” signs at the lake, and residents are advised not to follow someone who has fallen into the ice or attempt to rescue them. Instead, they should call 911 and wait for professional help.
