As an Ohio family prepped to skate on a frozen pond on their property, they had no idea their plan for a fun day would end in tragedy. Lamar Good, 16, reportedly fell through the ice on a pond near Marshallville. Family and neighbors tried to help him but could not retrieve him from the frigid waters.
According to WEWS, family members were clearing snow from the pond but Lamar stayed behind when they left the pond. A neighbor saw him fall and called 911 for help. Rescue crews arrived and did their best to find him, but by the time they did, it was too late.
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Lamar became trapped in the frigid water.
Wayne County Sheriff Tom Ballinger said Lamar fell into the water around 10:30 a.m. on January 8, 2025, per WEWS. Crews from several agencies arrived at the pond a short time later and began to search for the teen. Captain Seth Greegor from the Marshallville Fire Department told the news outlet that he got into the water first.
“I can only do search on the surface, feel underneath, try to feel under the ice shelf and see if [I] can feel anything,” Greegor explained.
Crews estimate the teen remained submerged for a long time.
Divers from the Wayne County Dive Team ultimately found Lamar and began CPR. WEWS reported that investigators believe he remained underwater for 30 to 40 minutes before the rescue. Crews tried their best to resuscitate him at the scene but could not revive him.
Lamar spent time at two hospitals in the area.
Crews first took him to Aultman Hospital in Orrville but later transported him to Akron Children’s Hospital. Sadly, staff pronounced him dead Wednesday afternoon. The news upset first responders.
“We’re all human, nobody is exempt from feelings that go along with it. It’s awesome when you can save a life and do everything you can, but it doesn’t always turn out that way,” Kidron Volunteer Fire Chief Jon Peters told Fox 8.
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Lamar's death serves as a reminder of winter weather safety.
Peters said skating on frozen ponds can be very dangerous. He warned residents to follow proper protocols when it comes to ice.
“Wear a lifejacket, you know, drill holes, make sure your ice is thick. Ice skating, things like that on these farm ponds, it needs to be at least four inches thick for people to be out there. But again, no ice is safe,” he said, according to Fox 8.
Peters also shared kind words with Lamar’s family. “My condolences go out to them. It’s a horrible tragedy. I cannot even imagine what they’re going through,” he shared.
