In an update to our earlier reports, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources today (Monday),  released the names of a father and son who were rescued from icy water Sunday while deer hunting in Mills County. Officials say 49-year old Terry Garvey,  and his 13-year old son Montana, of Macedonia, were wading across Willow Slough one mile east of Hastings while deer hunting, breaking through thin ice as they walked. The water became progressively deeper until it was about waist deep causing the two to experience cramping and to call for help shortly before 9-a.m.

The father and son were pulled to shore by ropes and transported to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs where they were treated and released. DNR Conservation Officer Richard Price said “With the weather we have had, certainly ice cannot be trusted anywhere to support the weight of people.”  Even though the temperatures so far this winter have been much warmer than normal, Price said people need to be prepared for cold conditions.

Emergency rescue personnel from Hastings, Glenwood, Red Oak, Malvern, Emerson and the Mills County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene. Price said “We also had a lot of local volunteers show up to help assist with the rescue.”