11-year-old dies days after trying to save boy who fell through ice on NY lake, cops say
An 11-year-old girl who fell through the ice trying to rescue a boy from an icy New York lake has died, police said.
The Albany Police Department shared the tragic update Tuesday, Dec. 10, days after the harrowing incident at Washington Park Lake.
Officers were called just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, about two kids who had fallen through the ice near the park’s lake house, police said in a news release.
Officers found and rescued the 11-year-old, who was treated at the scene. The girl was then rushed to a hospital and listed in critical condition, according to police.
Divers with New York State Police continued searching for the other child, a 12-year-old boy, and recovered his body from the lake a few hours later, authorities said.
Police believe the 12-year-old was walking across the lake toward the lake house when he fell through ice. The girl went after him after she saw him fall, taking the “same path of travel” on the ice before she fell in, too, officials said.
The department “extends its heartfelt condolences and support to the families and friends of both children during this difficult time,” officers said in a statement posted to the department’s Facebook page.
Police didn’t identify the victims due to their ages, but said both were students in the City School District of Albany.
In a statement, Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter said the district is “heartbroken” by the loss of both children.
“Our hearts go out to the family of this student, who gave their life trying to save their friend,” Hochreiter said. “We will remember that selfless courage even as we mourn another unimaginable loss.”
School officials said crisis counselors will be available to students and employees.
This story was originally published December 11, 2024 at 3:35 PM with the headline "11-year-old dies days after trying to save boy who fell through ice on NY lake, cops say."