Rescue Crews Pull Macomb Man, Dogs from Ice

A Macomb Township man is being treated at a local hospital for symptoms of hypothermia Tuesday following a fall into icy water earlier this afternoon.

Macomb Township rescue crews pulled a 58-year-old resident from a river near the , in the area of 23 Mile and North Avenue roads, around 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the resident was walking his two dogs around 23 Mile Road when the dogs ventured onto thin ice nearby and fell through. Underestimating the depth of the water, the man followed the dogs into the water in an effort to rescue them himself, Wickersham said.

Passing motorists saw the man struggling and called 911. One of these calls has been included in the "Video" section of this article. Others in the area attempted to rescue the man, but were unsuccessful.

With the use of floatable throw rings, rescue crews were able to reach the victim and pull him to shore. Wickersham estimates the man was in the water for approximately 15 minutes. Following the rescue, he was immediately transported to McLaren Medical Center-Macomb to be treated for symptoms of hypothermia.

The rescue crew was also able to pull the dogs from the water, but Wickersham said one of the dogs escaped and is believed to still be wandering the area.

The sheriff reminds residents that with such mild weather, no ice is safe in Macomb County.

Should a pet fall through the ice, Wickersham said owners should call 911 and not attempt to rescue the animal on their own.