Utah deputy punches through frozen pond to save 8-year-old
- 6 years ago
NEW HARMONY, UTAH — A Utah deputy is being hailed a hero after bravely jumping into icy water to save a drowning boy.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the 8-year-old had been chasing his dog over a frozen pond late Monday when he suddenly fell through the ice. Another boy saw what happened and ran for help.
Sgt. Aaron Thompson arrived first on the scene, and immediately attempted a rescue — punching through the ice to create a pathway to the victim.
When the ice got too thick to punch, Thompson stomped on it to get it to break, and soon jumped into the water to search for the missing child.
The boy had been in the water for about 30 minutes before Sgt. Thompson finally found him beneath the ice, roughly 25 feet from the shore. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he is still being treated.
Thompson suffered cuts and abrasions on his arm, and symptoms of hypothermia, but has since been treated and is expected to be back at work by next week.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the 8-year-old had been chasing his dog over a frozen pond late Monday when he suddenly fell through the ice. Another boy saw what happened and ran for help.
Sgt. Aaron Thompson arrived first on the scene, and immediately attempted a rescue — punching through the ice to create a pathway to the victim.
When the ice got too thick to punch, Thompson stomped on it to get it to break, and soon jumped into the water to search for the missing child.
The boy had been in the water for about 30 minutes before Sgt. Thompson finally found him beneath the ice, roughly 25 feet from the shore. He was airlifted to a nearby hospital, where he is still being treated.
Thompson suffered cuts and abrasions on his arm, and symptoms of hypothermia, but has since been treated and is expected to be back at work by next week.