CLINTON COUNTY - The victim who went under the ice attempting to rescue his dog on a frozen pond in New Baden, IL., has been identified as 23-year-old Luke Kitterman of New Memphis, IL.
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The incident occurred on the ice in a pond on Clinton County Road and Tenth Road. Kitterman was hunting with five others at the time and fell through the ice. Rescuers used a sonar scan to locate him.
Herb Simmons, the Director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, made this statement about the search for the man who went under the ice:
"In the last 48 hours, I once again observed the commendable collaboration among various First Responders. The unfortunate event in New Baden, involving the tragic loss of a young life due to a drowning accident, required a coordinated effort among multiple agencies to search in cold temperatures.
"We extend our condolences to the family of the victim and hope the recovery process provides some measure of solace. Each First Responder, I'm sure, worked with diligence and speed, praying for an outcome other than the one that occurred. Effective incident management hinges on teamwork, time, patience, and prioritizing safety above all else.
"The safety of our First Responders is crucial to their ability to perform their duties optimally. Through extensive training, these individuals hone their skills, and in real-life situations, their dedication becomes evident. Their commitment is truly commendable, especially considering many serve on a volunteer basis. I have often highlighted our good fortune in having such a capable and dedicated group of First Responders in St. Clair and the surrounding areas."
