Indiana Conservation Officers are reporting that a twelve year old girl and a twleve year old boy have died after falling through the ice.
An Indiana Conservation Officer Public Safety Diver was able to rescue both victims. The first victim was rescued within twenty minutes upon arrival and the second victim was rescued within forty minutes of arrival.
It was estimated both subjects had been under water at least half an hour before being rescued. Both were taken to Memorial Hospital in Jasper for treatment where they died of their injures.
The accident happened in southern Pike County and was dispatched at around 5:15 pm. The reason for being on the ice is unknown at this time and is still under investigation.
Responding agencies included the Pike County Sheriffs Department, Petersburg City Police Department, Lockhart Township Fire Department, Patoka Township Fire Department, Spurgeon Fire Department, Pike County EMS and Indiana Conservation Officers.
Names are being withheld until family has all been notified. This press release will be updated tomorrow morning. Autopsies are scheduled for Saturday December 17th 2016. No foul play is expected.
UPDATE
Authorities have released the names of two 12 year olds who died in the Winslow area of Pike County.
Paige Bailey and Brice Phillips both of Winslow died after falling through ice yesterday. First responders were called out at 5:15pm according to the State DNR. Divers managed to get them out of the water but they had been under for a half hour already. Despite resuscitation attempts, the two were later pronounced dead at Jasper Memorial Hospital. The incident occurred at a private residence on County Road 725 South, about a mile and a half south of State Road 64.
The ice was estimated to be an inch to an inch and a half in thickness. The Indiana Department of natural Resources recommends at least four inches of ice to support the weight of a person and to always wear a life jacket. No ice should be considered safe ice.