An unidentified adult male is dead after falling through the ice and into a pond at Sand Creek Park in Aurora on the evening of January 27.

Rescue teams responded to the scene at about 7 p.m. after a witness saw a flashlight by a hole in the ice with a dog in distress in the water. A few minutes prior, the witness had seen an adult walking three dogs near the ice-covered surface of the water. Concerned about the situation, the witness called emergency services to the scene.

Aurora Fire Rescue, Aurora Police Department, and the South Metro Dive Team responded, with firefighters ultimately rescuing the dog and the adult from the water. While all three dogs were determined to be alright and put into the care of animal services, the male was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

A January 28 afternoon update indicated that the male who was rescued from the pond did not survive. At time of publishing, the male’s identity had not been released.

This situation is obviously a tragic one. Some readers may be wondering why the witness contacted 911 instead of trying to help – it’s important to note that this response is actually what rescue services recommend. If a person attempts to assist in a cold water rescue or in a scenario where someone has fallen through the ice without the proper training and equipment, it can often make a bad situation worse.

Anyone who happens to spot someone who has fallen through the ice should call 911 immediately, and if possible, attempt to reach them via a branch or other object opposed to walking out onto the ice to help.

STAY INFORMED: Get free Colorado news with our daily newsletter (Click here)