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Chicopee Today
By the People, for the People
Chicopee Fire Dept. Warns Against Venturing Onto Frozen Rivers After Eastham Tragedy
Officials urge caution and provide safety tips following a deadly incident where a couple fell through ice while walking their dog.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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A woman drowned and her husband is missing after the couple fell through the ice while walking their dog on a Cape Cod river in Eastham. The tragic incident has prompted fire departments across Massachusetts, including in Chicopee, to issue urgent safety warnings about the dangers of frozen bodies of water, especially rivers and streams with moving water that can't fully freeze over.
Why it matters
This story highlights the hidden risks of venturing onto frozen waterways, even when they appear solid. The Eastham tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of ice and the importance of heeding safety warnings, especially as winter activities become more popular.
The details
According to Chicopee fire officials, ice thickness can vary greatly even within the same body of water, making it extremely dangerous. They advise against stepping onto any frozen rivers, streams or ponds, as the ice is rarely thick enough to support a person's weight. If someone does fall through the ice, bystanders are instructed not to attempt a rescue, but rather to call emergency services and try to reach the person from the shore using available objects.
- On Monday, the search for the missing husband was suspended due to hazardous river conditions.
- The couple was last seen walking their dog near a river in Eastham before they fell through the ice.
The players
Katie Collins-Kalbaugh
A fire captain in Chicopee who is providing safety guidance to the public.
What they’re saying
“There are so many factors that make ice extremely unpredictable. It can look safe and be safe in one spot…and just a few feet away it can be extremely dangerous.”
— Katie Collins-Kalbaugh, Fire Captain
“Call the pet to you…if you don't remain calm…the pet can actually get nervous and go out further onto the ice.”
— Katie Collins-Kalbaugh, Fire Captain
What’s next
Fire departments across Massachusetts will continue to monitor conditions and issue safety warnings to prevent future tragedies on frozen waterways.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a tragic reminder that even seemingly frozen bodies of water can be extremely dangerous, especially rivers and streams with moving water that cannot fully freeze over. Heeding safety warnings and avoiding venturing onto ice is crucial to prevent future loss of life.
