At least nine children have died after falling through ice or into freezing water across the United States between late January and early February, authorities said. Several other children and adults were rescued during the same period as Arctic air gripped large parts of the eastern and central US.
Following a surge of bitterly cold temperatures, frozen lakes, ponds and creeks appeared deceptively safe. However, first responders were repeatedly called to carry out ice rescue operations as victims fell through weakened surfaces.
Rapidly changing ice conditions
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ice less than four inches thick is unsafe to walk on and must be over five inches thick to support a small all-terrain vehicle. Officials warn that ice thickness can vary dramatically across a single body of water due to snow cover, currents, springs and temperature shifts.
Cold-water immersion can turn fatal within minutes without immediate rescue and medical care.
Multiple states affected
In Michigan, a five-year-old girl and her 50-year-old grandfather died after falling into a frozen pond on January 21. Days later in Texas, three brothers aged six, eight and nine drowned after breaking through ice on a private pond.
Similar incidents were reported in Virginia, North Carolina and Oklahoma, where young children succumbed despite rescue attempts.
Sheriff Chris Thomas of Onslow County described one such event as “a heartbreaking day for our community,” highlighting the emotional toll on families and first responders alike.
Officials urge caution
Meteorologists warn that fluctuating temperatures weaken ice rapidly, especially after brief warm spells. Authorities are urging parents and caregivers to prevent children from walking, skating or playing on frozen water bodies.
Safety officials emphasise that no ice should be considered completely safe, and supervision is critical during winter conditions.