Blowing Rock Man Drowns in Trout Lake

January 20, 2010

(BOONE, NC) A local man died last Wednesday after trying to rescue his dog from Trout Lake. Authorities report that Robert K. Todd, 52, of Blowing Rock, NC, was walking with his son and their 4 dogs around the lake when one of the dogs ventured out onto the frozen surface.

Todd went out onto the ice to try and retrieve the dog when he fell through. Witnesses called 911 and Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue Department were the first to respond.

Aaron Miller, of Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, said the call came in at 4:38pm. When rescuers arrived on scene Todd was not visible in the water. Rescuers put on special dry suits designed for ice rescue and began to search the water for Todd.

Todd's body was found about 25 yards from shore at approximately 5:30 pm. A medical examiner ruled the cause of death was from drowning. Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue is one of only a few state certified departments for ice rescues.

Todd's 10-year-old son did not walk onto the ice and suffered no injuries. It is also reported that the dog made it safely to shore and was not injured.

Blue Ridge Parkway Chief Ranger, Steve Stinnett, warns people about the dangers of walking on ice covered lakes. "The ice is never solid enough for people to walk on. Even with these extreme conditions it's never thick enough."

Authorities ask that people stay off ice covered lakes and other waterways at all times.

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