HASTINGS – A father and son were rescued from icy water Sunday while deer hunting in Mills County.
Terry Garvey, 49, and his son, Montana Garvey, 13, of Macedonia, were wading across Willow Slough one mile east of Hastings while deer hunting, breaking through thin ice as they walked. The water became progressively deeper until it was about waist deep causing the two to experience cramping and to call for help shortly before 9 a.m.
The father and son were pulled to shore by ropes and transported to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs where they were treated and released.
“With the weather we have had, certainly ice cannot be trusted anywhere to support the weight of people,” said DNR Conservation Officer Richard Price.
Even though the temperatures so far this winter have been much warmer than normal, Price said people need to be prepared for cold conditions.
Emergency rescue personnel from Hastings, Glenwood, Red Oak, Malvern, Emerson and the Mills County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene.
“We also had a lot of local volunteers show up to help assist with the rescue,” said Price.