Indiana Conservation Officer Mark Johnston is investigating a near fatal ice incident occurring near Roush Lake in Huntington County.

At 11:07 a.m. conservation officer Mark Johnston was dispatched, along with the Huntington County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police and local Fire/Rescue Departments to a small pond located south of Roush Lake where a fishermen had fallen through the ice.

Officer Johnston arrived and found Michael H. Gosnell in the near frozen water clinging to the ice he had recently broken through.

Minutes later officer Johnston coordinated with Markle firefighter Michael Grant to effect a successful rescue operation. Markle firefighter Michael Grant donned an insulated dry suit, crossed the frozen pond and with help from rescue personnel was able to pull Gosnell from the water.

Gosnell was treated at the scene by EMS and then transported to Parkview Huntington Hospital in Huntington. He is being treated for cold related injuries as well as bruises and cuts.

Gosnell was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. His companion, James Koon witnessed the incident and called 911. Koon was also able to toss Gosnell equipment to help him stay above water until emergency personnel were able to make rescue.

Indiana Conservation Officers urge all ice fishermen to carry a life jacket or other flotation device, to check ice regularly, and to never go out on ice alone.