Two teenagers died Sunday afternoon after falling through ice while ice fishing in Owen county with family members.

Rescue workers were called just before 1:30 p.m., but had to negotiate through steep, rocky terrain to reach the rural rock quarry north of Spencer, IN, where the boys had been fishing. After reaching the ice, first responders were able to pull Clark “Edward” Shoemaker, 17, and Dominic Arthur, 13, out within minutes.

Both victims were taken to IU Health Bloomington, where they were pronounced dead.

Indiana conservation officers noted that warming temperatures had contributed to deterioration of the ice. The ice they were fishing on was measured at less than three inches thick. Both boys had been submerged in 11 feet of water after falling through.

Responding agencies included Indiana Conservation Officers, Owen County Sheriff’s Department, Owen Valley Fire, Owen County Rescue, Owen County EMS and Air Evac.

Source: Terre Haute Tribune-Star