Heroic boy dies after getting trapped inside icy pond while trying to save his friend
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An 11-year-old New York City boy reportedly died Tuesday afternoon after saving his friend from an icy pond.

The New York Daily News reported that Anthony Perez was with a 12-year-old friend at Strack Pond in Queens when the friend walked too far out and fell into the frozen-over pond. Police sources claimed that Perez was on the side of the pond when he rushed in to save the friend but became trapped himself.

While the friend rushed home to get help, the Daily News wrote that Perez was submerged for about a half-hour.

Authorities told The New York Times that the fire department arrived four minutes after receiving a 911 call. From there, three firefighters bared the chest-deep pond and frantically punched through chunks of ice to a hole where the boy fell. Crews ultimately retrieved the little boy from the water using a rope, The Times reported.

The 11-year-old was then rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead, according to WCBS. FDNY Deputy Chief George Healy revealed during a press conference that two of the firefighters were treated for hypothermia.

“The ice is not safe and it can have tragic consequences,” he said.

Strack Pond sits at the bottom of a hill and is surrounded by trees. Several red signs located around the pond warn people about the thin ice.

“There are a lot of lakes around the City of New York, and especially for children, they may be enticing this time of the year,” Healy said. “Again, we implore you—tell your children and make sure they are aware.”

[Featured Image: Anthony Perez/Facebook]