1 of 2 men who fell into ice-fishing pond dies
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI/WISH) — A 63-year-old Lafayette man who fell through an ice-fishing pond Wednesday has died, the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
Two Lafayette men fell into the icy pond shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday in rural Tippecanoe County and had to be taken to IU Health Arnett, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies said the two were fishing on a pond at 2634 W. County Road 750 North. That’s north of West Lafayette.
Thomas Watkins died Thursday afternoon from the injuries he received in the ice-fishing accident. Brian Kennedy, 45, and Watkins fell into the pond.
According to sheriff’s deputies, Kennedy made his way out of the water and went to a neighboring home to call 911.
When deputies arrived they found Watkins was still in the water. Indiana conservation officer Lt. Daniel Dulin told WLFI “life-saving measures” were performed on him.
Both men were taken to IU Health Arnett. Dulin said Kennedy was treated for mild hypothermia.
The two are allegedly friends.
The dive team recovered the fishing equipment from the water. There was about 20 holes made in the ice.