Boy, 11, dies in fall through icy pond after saving friend; barefoot firefighters attempted rescue

WOODHAVEN, Queens -- An 11-year-old boy died after falling through the ice at a freezing pond in Queens Tuesday afternoon.

Officials said Anthony Perez and another child were walking on the frozen surface of Strack Pond in Forest Park at about 4:05 p.m., when he broke through and went into the water about 50 feet from the shore.

Firefighters did everything they could, barefoot and wearing just shorts and T-shirts. Two of them dove into the ice cold waters of the pond to search for the boy who had gone under, but they couldn't find him.

One of them shimmied out, got his bearings, and then focused on a figure under the water and pointed him out.

He dove back in, he and his partner punching through ice to get closer until they finally found him, but it was too late.

"There are signs around all these lakes in the city, we implore you, tell your children make sure they're aware," said FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy. "Today the temperature was well above freezing, the ice is not safe. It's not gonna support your weight and it can have tragic consequences."

Even more tragic, police say Anthony died after saving a 12-year-old friend who himself had fallen through the ice. Anthony pulled him out, then fell in himself. The friend ran for help.

But by the time someone called 911, Anthony probably didn't have a chance. Rescuers were there in minutes but there was nothing they could to save him. The two firefighters were treated for hypothermia.

Neighbor Kevin Orr knows the boy who survived, who will carry this weight forever.

"I can't imagine that. For a young kid? Who knows? Who knows how he'll handle that. It's his friend," said Orr.

Healy said there are parts of the ice in the pond that are very thick -- but not where the boy fell through.