Man Rescued After Falling Through Ice During Late-Night Selfie Attempt

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A 35-year-old man in Indianapolis fell through weak ice while trying to take a photo of a fountain in a pond near Butler University. He was able to call 911 and cling to the ice until firefighters arrived and rescued him from the freezing water, where he had spent up to 25 minutes.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of venturing onto ice, especially around moving water, to get the perfect photo. The man's late-night selfie attempt could have ended in tragedy, underscoring the need for caution and safety when enjoying winter scenery.

The details

Despite visible open water and no ice conditions in parts of the pond, the man ran roughly 60 yards toward the fountain to take a photo. When he reached the area, the ice gave way beneath him, and he fell into the 10-foot-deep pond. He was able to keep himself afloat by placing his arms on top of the ice, but that position could only be maintained for a short time in the cold water. The man called 911, and Butler University police and Indianapolis firefighters responded, with the fire department's tactical rescue team ultimately pulling him from the freezing water.

• On February 5, 2026, the incident occurred near Holcomb Gardens on the Butler University campus.
• The man spent between 20 and 25 minutes in the icy water before being rescued.

What’s next

The man was transported to Methodist Hospital in critical condition, but as of the fire department's update, he was listed in stable condition.