Two boys die after falling through ice in Osage County
By Josh Wallace
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AVANT, Okla. (KOCO) — The Osage County Sheriff’s Office reported the deaths of two boys, ages 8 and 9, after they fell through ice on a creek Saturday.
Sheriff’s office officials said they were notified just before 7:15 p.m. Saturday that residents and first responders located the first victim near the bank of Bird Creek in Avant, according to a news release.
The victim was removed from the water and life-saving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful.
Emergency responders then “quickly intensified for the second juvenile,” with crews responding to an area of broken ice on the creek.
“Dozens of emergency personnel worked for several hours utilizing ground teams, aerial drones, a specialized rescue boat, and dive teams. At approximately 11:30 p.m., the second victim was located and recovered,” officials said in the news release.
“The Osage County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Avant community during this unimaginable loss. Incidents involving children are among the most difficult situations first responders face, and this tragedy has deeply impacted everyone involved,” officials said.
Officials said as winter conditions remain, residents should avoid “walking, playing, or operating vehicles on frozen bodies of water,” and that situations involving ice can be unpredictable and “extremely dangerous” even if it appears the ice is solid.
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