WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a Wednesday afternoon incident in which two anglers fell through the ice on Elk Creek Lake in Washington County.
First responders learned that shortly after 4 p.m., Jasper Combs, 76, of Crothersville, was approximately 100 feet from the shore when he fell through the ice.
A nearby ice fisherman, Bernard Broadus, 67, of Georgetown, heard Combs call for help and tried to rescue him, but he fell through the ice. Broadus was able to get himself out of the water in about five minutes.
Several emergency agencies responded. After throwing Combs a rope, Washington County Sheriff deputies and Gibson Township firefighters pulled him from the water after he had been clinging to the ice for nearly 45 minutes.
The two men were flown to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment, and both are expected to make a full recovery.
Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage the use of life jackets while participating in activities on or near the water.
