Kevin Howell: Internet hails hero dad's 'ultimate sacrifice' as he dies saving son, 4, from frozen pond
CARMEL, MAINE: Kevin Howell, a town manager in Maine, tragically lost his life while heroically saving his 4-year-old son from a frozen pond during a walk on Friday, as reported by the police.
Following the heartbreaking news, social media witnessed an outpouring of emotions from users who were deeply moved by the father's courageous act.
Many expressed their admiration, offering prayers for the grieving family and extending heartfelt condolences.
Town manager loses life while saving son
NBC News reported that Kevin Howell, aged 51, was walking with his son at around 6.30 am when they fell through Etna Pond, located approximately 1/3rd of a mile from their Carmel home, as detailed by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post.
In the aftermath, Howell managed to rescue his son from the water, instructing him to quickly inform his mother about the incident, according to the sheriff’s office. The boy promptly ran home and informed his mother, who then called 911. Equipped with an anchor and rope, she rushed to the pond to aid her husband.
However, as Howell's wife secured the rope on the shore, she also fell through the ice, as per the sheriff’s office. Responding to the 911 call, a detective in the area traversed the "treacherous" ice, holding onto the rope, and successfully pulled the woman to safety.
Despite these efforts, there was no sign of Howell, according to the sheriff’s office. Both the Maine Warden Service and the Carmel Fire Department arrived at the scene, but their search for Howell proved unsuccessful.
Later in the day, around 1.40 pm, two Maine Warden Service divers entered the pond and discovered Howell’s body shortly before 2 pm, as confirmed by the sheriff’s office and reported by NBC News.
Internet devastated by hero dad's death
A user wrote, "May memories of this brave father be as a blessing to his family. Heartfelt sympathy."
Another said, "Just heartbreaking. Now the family will cry, grieve and never be the same. God Bless all the family and may the Lord comfort and hold you."
A user commented, "Daddy his a real hero My condolences to his family Rip Mr. Howell you made the ultimate sacrifice."
Someone else said, "Absolutely heart breaking."
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
