Tragic Goose Hunter Dies in Icy Pond Rescue Attempt for Dog in Illinois
A 23-year-old goose hunter has tragically died after falling through the ice of a frozen pond while attempting to rescue his dog during a hunting trip in Illinois. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon and has left the local community in mourning for the young outdoorsman.
Emergency Response and Recovery Mission
The New Baden Fire Department responded to reports of a man falling through ice shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday. Multiple emergency units were dispatched to the scene, including a specialised dive team from the nearby Swansea Fire Department. After several hours of intensive search efforts, the operation transitioned from a rescue mission to a recovery mission.
The body of 23-year-old Luke Kitterman was recovered the following day, according to local news outlet KSDK. The young man lived in New Memphis, Illinois, and was described by family and friends as an experienced outdoorsman with a deep passion for hunting and conservation.
Hunting Trip Tragedy Unfolds
According to Peyton Matthews of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police, the tragedy occurred during a goose hunting expedition. Kitterman was with several other young men when his dog ventured onto the frozen pond while attempting to retrieve geese.
"They were in the act of hunting. They were goose hunting. The dog that retrieves the geese had gone out onto the ice and had fallen through while trying to retrieve the geese," Matthews explained to KSDK.
When the dog fell through the ice, Kitterman became concerned for his pet's safety and ventured onto the frozen surface himself. "At that point in time, the owner of the dog became panicked that the dog might be in trouble, and then that's when he went out onto the ice and attempted to rescue his dog," Matthews added.
Friends' Attempted Rescue and Aftermath
Kitterman's friends immediately attempted to help him after he fell through the ice, but he quickly disappeared beneath the surface. "His friends did try to get out there to help him out," Matthews confirmed. "They were able to pull the dog out of the water and into a canoe, just unfortunately lost sight of their friend."
Several friends remained at the scene as first responders continued their search throughout the night. Property owners in the area opened a warming centre to provide shelter for both emergency personnel and Kitterman's friends during the prolonged search operation.
Remembering an Avid Outdoorsman
According to an obituary reviewed by the Belleville News-Democrat, Kitterman was a dedicated conservationist and member of Ducks Unlimited who cherished time spent in nature. "He would have rather been outside than anywhere else. He was an experienced hunter and fisherman, as well as a conservationist," the tribute read.
The obituary continued: "He took great care to ensure that the forests, rivers and lakes would be protected for future hunters and fishermen to enjoy. Luke also loved boating and hanging out and drinking beer with family and friends."
The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by frozen bodies of water, even to experienced outdoorspeople. Local authorities have emphasised the importance of ice safety precautions during winter months, particularly for those engaged in outdoor recreational activities.
