Watch CBS News

New Hampshire woman who fell through icy pond found dead

Body of New Hampshire woman found in pond after she fell through ice
Body of New Hampshire woman found in pond after she fell through ice 00:38

ATKINSON, N.H. – Police say a woman who fell through the ice at a pond in New Hampshire on Saturday was found dead a day later.

Officers received a call around 5:30 p.m. about a person yelling for help at Big Island Pond in Atkinson. First responders from across New Hampshire responded to the scene to assist in the search. 

Marine Patrol said that based on an initial investigation, they believed that the woman fell through the ice and drowned. Despite the search Saturday night, the woman's body was not located.

First responders stopped the search until Sunday morning. Around 10 a.m., the woman's body was found in the area of Osprey Road in Hampstead. 

She has been identified as 56-year-old Emer Mezzetti of Atkinson.

Neighbors in the area say it is common to see people out on the lake ice fishing, skating, playing ice hockey, or walking.

How to be safe on the ice

Officials warned people to be careful when venturing on open ice in the winter. They say there should be at least six inches of ice for walking and eight to ten inches for snow vehicles. They also say not to drive cars onto the ice. 

They recommend being cautious around areas with currents, around the shoreline, and ice that may be honeycombed or dark.

If you fall through the ice, here's what officials say to do:

  • Swim back to where you fell in
  • Put both of your arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard with your legs to lift your body out of the water
  • Carry ice picks around your neck or in a pocket you can reach to help you get out of the ice
  • Roll away from where you fell in until you are on solid ice.

If you see someone fall into the ice, they recommend calling 911 immediately and never go after someone.

Massachusetts residents falling through ice

Three people were attempting to save a labrador retriever who had run out onto the ice at the Concord River in Bedford on December 23. The dog's owner attempted to rescue the animal before falling in herself, then two people attempting to save the woman fell in after her. Police rescued all three people and the dog, who were okay.

A Danvers woman died after possibly falling through the ice on Christmas Day while walking her beloved dog, Boca. Police and her family believe that she had chased after the dog onto the ice at Wenham Lake in Beverly.

"That's her heart, her soul," said Susan Kasozi. "I don't think she stopped to think as she was chasing him."  

Thirty-year-old Owen Kasozi was described as a vibrant and outgoing person by her family.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.