Watch CBS News

6-Year-Old Boy Falls Through Lake Ice, Dies In Md.

BUCKEYSTOWN, Md. (WJZ) -- There was tragedy at a religious service near Frederick.  As Mike Schuh reports, an ice-covered pond proved too tempting for a 6- and 7-year-old. 

Ten miles from Frederick is a Vietnamese Buddhist temple.  This Sunday, their gathering ended in tragedy.

A neighbor heard the commotion.

"And we see a couple of police, fire and ambulance go by here," said David Layer.

They drove directly to an old quarry pond.  According to police, a 6- and 7-year-old were trying to walk on the ice on the lake.  They both fell in but the 7-year-old was able to get out and go for help. 

Firefighters say the boys were only a few feet from the shore when the ice gave way.  A relative pulled the 6-year-old out and someone in the group of 50 started CPR. 

Chief Ed Adams took over CPR when his fire company arrived.

"They indicated to me that he was out of the water for about 10 minutes and I guess for a couple of minutes they had been performing CPR before I arrived," Adams said.

The boy had been under the surface of the ice-cold water for about 10 minutes.

"And being that it was cold water, that buys us a little extra time," Adams said.

The boy had a weak pulse and was taken to a hospital in Frederick and later to one in D.C.  He died early Monday.

Police say before the accident, the adults were worshipping while the kids were in a playground nearby.  But around 6, the two walked over to the lake.  After a week of warm weather, the ice had thinned considerably.

The  trees surrounding the old quarry were well-marked with signs Tuesday.  No one from the temple wanted to speak  about the incident and asked WJZ to leave.

A police detective is investigating but charges are unlikely.

Police are withholding the victim's identity until his extended family can be notified.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.