Massachusetts State Representative releases touching tribute after couple falls through ice

The names of the victims have been released after one woman is dead and a man is still missing after an incident that took place Saturday morning on Cape Cod.

According to police, at just after 9:00 a.m. the Eastham Police Department received a report of a loose dog in the First Encounter Beach parking lot. The caller reported that the dog was wet and appeared to be in distress.

An Eastham Officer arrived on scene and heard a woman screaming for help in the area of Bee’s River. The Officer located the female, who had fallen through the ice into the water. The officer went out onto the ice and attempted to pull the woman out of the water. While attempting to save her the ice gave way and the officer and the woman were completely submerged into the water. A second officer arrived on scene and observed the officer that had entered the water attempting to pull himself back up onto the ice. The second officer attempted to go out onto the ice where the female had entered the water. However, as he made his way to that location the ice gave way and he fell into the water up to his waist. Both officers were able to successfully make it back to the shore.

The Eastham Fire Department arrived on scene and members of the fire department immediately initiated rescue efforts.

The two officers that entered the water were transported to Cape Cod Hospital for evaluation due to entering the frigid water.

The Barnstable County Technical Rescue Team and Dive Team was activated, and divers entered the water to attempt to locate the female that fell through the ice. As rescuers were searching the water, an on-scene investigation revealed that the female party may have been out walking with her husband and dog. 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.

At 11:12 a.m. the Tech Team located the female party under the ice. She was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene.

Massachusetts State Representative Steve Xiarhos issued the following statement:

“We are absolutely heartbroken over the tragic loss of Kit Boucher and the ongoing search for her husband Jerry in Eastham.

“They were both part of our Cape Cod Athletic Club, a wonderful group of friends and fellow runners from all over Cape Cod. If you run on the Cape, chances are you knew them or saw them. They were always out there, always moving, always together. They loved this place. They loved the beaches, the water, and their dog. They loved life and they loved each other.

“This is such a tragedy in so many ways. A loving couple. A family shattered. A running community grieving. An entire town shaken.

“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with their family as they face the unimaginable. No words can ease that kind of pain.

“My thoughts are also with the brave first responders involved, from the 911 telecommunicators who took that first call, to the Eastham police officers who went into the freezing water without hesitation, to the fire crews, dive teams, and search teams who continue to do everything they can. They put their own lives at risk trying to save others. That is courage. That is service. And we are grateful.

“Please keep everyone affected in your prayers. Hold your loved ones close. Life can change in an instant.

“God bless.”