Woman dead, husband still missing after falling through ice on Cape Cod while walking dog

A search has been suspended on Cape Cod for a man who is still missing after falling through the ice while walking his dog with his wife on Saturday. The man’s wife was found dead and two police officers were hospitalized after they also fell into the frigid water in Eastham, Massachusetts.

Eastham Police received a call just after 9 a.m. on Saturday about a wet dog in distress at First Encounter Beach. An officer arrived and found a woman screaming for help in Bee’s River after falling through the ice.

The officer attempted to help the woman, but fell in during the rescue and was completely submerged. Another officer arrived and attempted to help the first officer but the ice broke, sending him plunging into the water up to his waist. 

Both officers were able to get themselves back onto the shore, according to police. They were taken to Cape Cod Hospital to be evaluated for any injuries. There is no update on their condition.

A dive team began searching for the missing woman. During the search, they learned that the woman was on a walk with her husband and their dog at the time. 

“Based on items located in their vehicle and a check of their residence, it was determined that it was possible that the husband may have fallen through the ice prior to the officer’s arrival,” Eastham Police said in a press release.

They found the woman’s body under the ice just after 11 a.m. on Saturday.

First responders searched through Saturday afternoon but did not find the man. On Sunday around 7 a.m., Eastham police and firefighters returned to Bee’s River and flew a drone for about two hours. 

Crews also walked the area where ever the shoreline was accessible. After two hours, they were still unable to find the missing man.

“Additional search efforts will be conducted when changes to the ice conditions occur, allowing access for public safety personnel,” Eastham police said.

The name of the couple involved in the incident is not being released at this time.

David Norris lives in the area. He said because of the strong currents and salt water, he never walks on the ice.

“It’s just dangerous,” he said. “I have two dogs. I won’t bring them out here until summertime when it’s just sand, they can go on the beach. I would never let them go on the salt. There’s no boundaries to it. It’s just weak, you fall right in.”