The incident occurred in Goodnews Bay, Alaska on Thursday, April 23
Credit: Alaska State Trooper/Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- A 3-year-old boy died after falling through ice in Goodnews Bay, Alaska, on Thursday, April 23
- Alaska State Troopers have warned residents about rapidly changing ice conditions during spring, which can create hidden hazards
- Another child was rescued on Sunday, April 19, after falling through thin ice in Kodiak, Alaska
A toddler is dead after falling through ice in Alaska.
Alaska State Troopers (AST) said in a news release that they were alerted to a 3-year-old having fallen through ice near a culvert in Goodnews Bay at around 10 p.m local time on Thursday, April 23.
After the boy fell through the ice, family members of the child and village volunteers conducted an “extensive search” for the child, according to the AST.
They broke the ice around the culvert and used an excavator to attempt to get under the ice, per local news outlet KYUK.
Credit: Getty
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After approximately an hour and a half, they finally located the boy, who was pronounced dead. The child’s family was notified at the scene, according to the AST.
The AST has confirmed that an investigation into the child’s death is ongoing.
Following the incident, a spokesperson with the AST issued a warning to Alaska residents to be wary of icy areas.
“Spring brings rapidly changing ice conditions, and what appears solid from a distance can be dangerously unstable,” the spokesperson said, per Alaska News Source. “Daytime warming, sun exposure, and underlying currents weaken ice from above and below. This deterioration happens quickly and unevenly, creating hidden hazards.”
“Fall‑throughs happen fast and can be life‑threatening in minutes. Taking precaution to avoid thin ice helps protect not only yourself but also responders who may be called to assist," the spokesperson added.
Credit: Getty
The toddler's death comes less than a week after another child fell through ice in Alaska. According to the Kodiak Daily Mirror, a 10-year-old boy was pulled to safety by first responders after falling through thin ice on Sunday, April 19.
The incident happened at around 1:20 p.m. local time on Island Lake in Kodiak, Alaska. The kid was pulled out of the water and left cold and wet, but ultimately unharmed, the outlet reported.
People falling through thin ice have prompted several rescues already this year. Last month, first responders also jumped in to rescue a woman who fell through the ice in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to ABC News.
The AST did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further comment regarding the toddler's death.
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