Good Samaritan Rescues Man Who Fell Through Thin Ice on Colorado Lake

The incident occurred as a charitable lake plunge event was concluding in Evergreen, Colorado.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A young man sprinted across a frozen Colorado lake to save another man who had fallen through the ice on Sunday, March 1. The accident occurred on Evergreen Lake in Evergreen, not far from where a charitable lake plunge was taking place. The heroic rescuer was able to crawl to the edge of the hole and pull the victim out of the water.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of safety precautions around frozen bodies of water, especially during community events. It also showcases the bravery and quick thinking of the Good Samaritan who risked his own safety to save a stranger.

The details

As the Evergreen Lake Plunge, a charitable event, was concluding, a man about 700 feet away fell through the thin ice on Evergreen Lake. A young man who was driving by witnessed the incident and immediately sprinted across the frozen lake to rescue the victim. The rescuer was able to crawl to the edge of the hole and pull the man out of the water. The victim was treated by emergency medical personnel but left the scene without revealing his identity.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • The Evergreen Lake Plunge was delayed this year due to difficult weather conditions and was held as a "run and jump" event instead of the traditional ice plunge.

The players

Scott Lapierre

An onlooker who witnessed the rescue and was amazed that the rescuer did not fall through the thin ice himself.

Evergreen Fire Rescue

The emergency response team that treated the victim and confirmed the incident.

Lindsay Frost

The secretary for Active4All, the organization that hosts the Evergreen Lake Plunge to raise funds for children with disabilities.

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What they’re saying

“I was amazed the rescuer didn't fall through the thin ice himself as he ran.”

— Scott Lapierre, Eyewitness (CBS News)

“Because of the weather this year and the ice not being what we needed it to be, we're doing a run and jump sort of situation instead of the actual ice plunge.”

— Lindsay Frost, Secretary, Active4All (KUSA)

What’s next

Evergreen Fire Rescue is investigating the incident and working to identify the victim in order to ensure he receives any necessary follow-up care.

The takeaway

This heroic rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of safety around frozen bodies of water, even during community events. It also highlights the bravery of Good Samaritans who are willing to put themselves at risk to save others.