As we approach Spring, there is still a lot of ice covering Michigan’s waterways. However, walking on it at this time of year is definitely a gamble. With Michigan’s recent warm temperatures, the situation has become even more volatile. Yesterday, two men from Genesee County faced a terrifying reality.
On Monday afternoon, Genesee County 911 received multiple emergency calls, prompting the police and fire departments in Grand Blanc Township to respond to a pond on Canter Creek Trail. They rushed in to help two men who had been fishing.
According to police reports, one of the two fishermen fell into the water and became incapacitated. While attempting to rescue the first man, the second man fell into the freezing cold water.
As the fire department’s rescue team arrived on the scene, township police had already pulled one of the men from the water. The fire department was able to find and rescue the second man. Local officials say the second man was discovered about 60 feet from shore in 8 to 10 feet of water.
The police report also stated that ‘Firefighters in the water and crews on the shore pulled him back onto land less than 15 minutes after they arrived on the scene.’ Both men were rushed to the local hospital.
Sergent Tim Bueche of the Grand Blanc Township Police Department confirmed to local media today that of the two Grand Blanc men involved, the older, an 84-year-old, did not survive, while the other, an 81-year-old, will.
