Person Found Dead in Icy Potomac River in DC

Emergency crews responded to the scene amid extreme cold temperatures.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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Emergency crews in Washington, D.C. found a person dead in the icy waters of the Potomac River on Tuesday. The DC Fire and EMS Department responded to the river near the 14th Street Bridge for a water rescue, where they discovered the person on the ice mid-span near the bridge and removed them. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Why it matters

The Potomac River froze over during a recent bout of freezing temperatures in the Northeast, prompting warnings from the DC Police Department's Harbor Patrol Unit advising people to stay off the ice, as it can be extremely dangerous. This incident highlights the deadly risks of venturing onto frozen waterways during extreme cold weather.

The details

Emergency crews wore suits specifically designed for cold water rescues when they responded to the scene. The death follows warnings from authorities about the dangers of walking on the ice, with the DC Harbormaster stating that "although it looks safe, although it looks like you could walk on it, it is extremely dangerous, extremely deadly and also illegal." On Monday, the police department said they were aware of people trying to walk on the ice over the Potomac River near the Georgetown waterfront.

  • On Tuesday, emergency crews responded to the Potomac River near the 14th Street Bridge.
  • On Monday, the DC Police Department warned about people trying to walk on the ice over the Potomac River near the Georgetown waterfront.

The players

DC Fire and EMS Department

The emergency response agency that responded to the scene and removed the person from the icy waters of the Potomac River.

DC Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and had previously warned about the dangers of walking on the frozen Potomac River.

Andrew Horos

The DC Harbormaster who advised that walking on the icy Potomac River is "extremely dangerous, extremely deadly and also illegal."

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What they’re saying

“Although it looks safe, although it looks like you could walk on it, it is extremely dangerous, extremely deadly and also illegal.”

— Andrew Horos, DC Harbormaster (X)

“Walking on iced-over DC waterways is extremely dangerous. You're putting your life, and the lives of first responders, at extreme risk.”

— DC Police Department (X)

What’s next

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks of venturing onto frozen waterways during extreme cold weather, and underscores the importance of heeding warnings from local authorities about the dangers of ice.