19-Year-Old Dies After Falling Into Icy Pond On Christmas Eve

A 19-year-old boy lost his life after falling through an icy pond in Haymarket, Virginia. Officials issued a warning to stay off ice in the area following the young man's death.

The incident took place at a golf club near Erinblair Loop and Piedmont Vista Drive at around 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, News4 reported.

The teen, whose identity was not immediately released, fell through an iced-over pond located at the Piedmont Club Golf Course. Several people who were present at the golf course tried to rescue the victim but to no avail.

Rescue personnel responded and pulled the teen from the pond and transported him to the hospital, where he was eventually pronounced dead.

"It's one of the smaller ponds behind some houses on the golf course," said Kocher, who uploaded a video online showing the heavy presence of first responders in the area following the incident.

"We've heard stories of kids on the ponds. It's posted, 'No swimming. No ice skating. Stay off the water.' But kids will be kids," Kocher told the outlet.

Other adults, who were most likely those who tried to rescue the deceased victim, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Experts and officials warned people to stay off the ice that forms on top of stormwater ponds, rivers and streams, or any place where the water is moving. The ice can be dangerous even if it looks solid.

"People will get a false sense that the ice is thick enough but, no," Storm Team4 meteorologist Chad Merrill told WTOP. "We need a longer, more extended period of cold weather."

"We (all) need to relay the message that it is not safe... I would not recommend that," Merrill added.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue issued a warning to stay off the ice and said severe hypothermia can occur in less than 10 minutes if a person or animal falls into icy waters. Since the chance for a successful rescue has very less time, officials said it is imperative to call 911 immediately in such cases.

Individuals were also told not to go onto the ice in an attempt to rescue the fallen individual or animal. Instead, one can try safely providing them with an object that will help them stay afloat in the water.

"Ice recreation is best sought on skating rinks, pavilions, or other locations specifically designed for that purpose, and not the dangerous, naturally occurring ice that forms on area waters," said Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Tim Keen said in a release, as quoted by wusa9.com.