FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A 9-year-old boy is in critical condition after falling through thin ice on Sunday afternoon in Fort Wayne. The incident happened around 12:25 p.m. in the 1100 block of Mayrock Drive, north of State Road 14 on the east side of the city.
According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, two young friends, a 9-year-old boy and his 8-year-old companion, were playing near a neighborhood pond when the accident occurred. While the two children were near the ice, the 9-year-old suddenly fell through the surface into the cold water below.
The 8-year-old boy, seeing his friend in danger, tried to help him, but tragically, he also fell through the ice. Fortunately, the 8-year-old was able to free himself from the water and ran to get help. He found the 9-year-old’s 39-year-old father, who rushed to the scene to help search for his son.
When the father arrived, he went into the water looking for his son but was unable to locate him. According to police, the water in the area where the 9-year-old fell was reported to be chest-deep, making the search even more difficult. Desperate, the father called for help.
Fort Wayne Fire Department divers were quickly dispatched to the scene. After arriving, they began a search of the pond and were able to pull the 9-year-old boy from the water around 1:00 p.m. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
At this time, there is no further update on the boy’s condition, but authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The Fort Wayne Police and Fire Departments, along with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, are investigating the incident.
This tragic event is a reminder of the dangers posed by thin ice, especially during the winter months. Authorities urge everyone to avoid walking or playing on frozen ponds, lakes, or streams, as the ice may not be thick enough to support weight and can break without warning.
The 8-year-old boy who fell through the ice but was able to escape unharmed is being supported by family and friends. Meanwhile, the community is rallying around the 9-year-old’s family, offering prayers and support as they face this difficult time.
Local authorities are reminding families to stay cautious and always ensure children are supervised while outdoors, especially around bodies of water. With the colder temperatures, incidents like these serve as a stark reminder of how quickly things can turn dangerous in winter conditions.
As the investigation continues, residents of Fort Wayne are hoping for a full recovery for the young boy and are thankful for the swift response of emergency teams who worked tirelessly to rescue him from the water.
