Photos Reveal Dramatic 1917 Hudson River Ice Rescue

Family's car plunged through frozen Hudson River, sparking daring rescue by hockey players

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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In the winter of 1917, the Hudson River froze solid for 40 days, allowing adventurous souls to drive their cars between New York's Westchester and Rockland counties. Tragically, one family's car broke through the ice and plunged into the freezing water. However, quick-thinking hockey players rushed to the scene and used their sticks to pull the 12-year-old girl from the submerged vehicle, saving her life.

Why it matters

This incredible story from over a century ago provides a rare glimpse into a time when the Hudson River could completely freeze over, allowing for such daring feats and harrowing rescues. The discovery of long-hidden photos documenting this dramatic event also helps preserve an important piece of local history that may have otherwise been forgotten.

The details

On February 12, 1917, Bob Klebe's grandfather, uncle, and 12-year-old mother were driving across the frozen Hudson River near Nyack when their car broke through the ice and became submerged in 10 feet of water. Nearby hockey players sprang into action, using their sticks to pull the young girl to safety by wrapping one around her scarf. The rest of the family was also able to escape the sinking vehicle.

  • The Hudson River froze solid for 40 days in the winter of 1917.
  • The accident occurred on February 12, 1917 near the landing at Nyack.

The players

Bob Klebe

A Yonkers native who now lives in St. Louis, Klebe recently discovered photos of the 1917 Hudson River ice rescue while downsizing and going through his mother's old desk.

Klebe's Mother

As a 12-year-old girl in 1917, Klebe's mother was in the car that broke through the ice on the Hudson River, but was rescued by quick-thinking hockey players.

Hockey Players

A group of hockey players who were nearby when the car broke through the ice, and used their hockey sticks to pull Klebe's mother from the freezing water, saving her life.

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What they’re saying

“Hockey players came and saved my mother by wrapping one of their hockey sticks around her scarf and pulled her out of the Hudson River. The whole story is just unbelievable all the way around.”

— Bob Klebe (CBS News)

“I think it's a great story, but a lot of people would say 'no way.'”

— Bob Klebe (CBS News)

What’s next

Klebe plans to share the newly discovered photos with local historical societies to help preserve this remarkable piece of Hudson River history.

The takeaway

This incredible story from 1917 serves as a powerful reminder of the dramatic changes that can occur in nature, as well as the heroic actions that ordinary people can take to save lives in the face of such extreme conditions. The rediscovery of these long-lost photos helps ensure this important local history is not forgotten.