FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Deputies Respond to Report of Juvenile in Icy Lake
Sheriff Mitch Ralston Reports:
At approximately 1:55 p.m. deputy sheriffs and other emergency services responded to the report of a person in a lake off Orchard Way near Calhoun. The private lake, which was frozen, was located near a subdivision. Deputies were able to access the area only in 4WD vehicles in which they were patrolling due to the recent winter storm. Upon arriving at the lake, several deputies and firemen entered the icy water on foot to search for the victim. They were quickly joined by additional rescue personnel and boats were put in the water to continue the search. Deputies transported EMS personnel to the lake, which was inaccessable to ordinary vehicles, in Sheriff’s Office emergency 4WD ‘Bravo’ trucks. Approximately 40 minutes after the arrival of the first responders, the victim was removed from the water and taken to the local hospital. The victim was a male juvenile who subsequently expired. The circumstances surrounding the event are being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Ralston, who also responded to the scene, said “Everyone who responded to this call, EMS, Fire/Rescue, and my deputies did everything humanly possible to effect a very dangerous rescue as quickly as possible. Along with Fire/Rescue personnel, several of my deputies did not hesitate to plunge into the freezing water to search for the victim, in total disregard for their own safety. These men showed great bravery and compassion. Unfortunately, a life was lost . Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”