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Thin Ice, Dead Child in Gaithersburg

By
Industry Observer with Retired

Thin Ice, Dead Child in Gaithersburg

 

Three boys were just having a little fun sliding on the ice on a sediment pond in their Gaithersburg, Maryland Crown Farm neighborhood. They called it skating but they were sliding in their shoes. They had done it before and this was the planned activity for the afternoon.

All three boys fell through the thin ice. Two were rescued but one boy died. He was ten years old.

This is a topic for discussions by every family. With the recent severe weather in Montgomery County, ponds and lakes were covered by ice. However, ice does not usually get thick enough in this area to support the weight of humans. Children need to be warned to stay off of any pond ice.

Sadly, in this case, neighbors saw the kids playing on the ice but nobody made the effort to warn them.

 

Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1889

Photograph by Roy Kelley

Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Geri Sonkin
Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103 - Merrick, NY
Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert

That is so sad, and so unnecessary.  My heart breaks for the family of that child.

Jan 13, 2014 11:40 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

What a tragedy that is!  The conditions that brought on this child's death, aren't usually present here in Sacramento.  We have other risk factors to contend with.  It is vital for parents to educate children about dangers lurking out there!

Jan 13, 2014 11:54 PM
Beth and Richard Witt
New York, NY
The best Retired Brokers !!!!

So sad Roy... truly a tragedy...

Jan 14, 2014 12:05 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thanks so much for your comments. The death of a child is a tragedy in any community. We have many ponds and lakes in our area and I hope that parents will be having serious personal safety conversations with their children.

 

Jan 14, 2014 12:46 AM
Noah Seidenberg
Coldwell Banker - Evanston, IL
Chicagoland and Suburbs (800) 858-7917

So sad Roy, this always happens every winter and its heart breaking. If you can spread the word to one person and save them then this is a very worthwhile piece.

Have a great day.

Jan 14, 2014 01:10 AM
Shannon Milligan, Richmond VA Real Estate Agent/Associate Broker
RVA Home Team - Richmond, VA
RVA Home Team - Winning with Integrity.

How tragic. I remember doing the same thing as a kid never thinking about the consequences. Good information, thanks for passing it on!

Jan 14, 2014 01:43 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Roy, What a shame. I lived in the mid-west and even back then folks always warned of thin ice to children. What a total tradegy and the neighbors who saw them! What were they thinking? 

Jan 14, 2014 01:53 AM
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

Hello Roy,

How heartbreaking...this happens every year, even with all of the warnings.  Prayers to his loved ones.

Jan 14, 2014 02:19 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for stopping by.  Kids will play without considering the consequences. It is up to the parents to make sure they are aware of their environment.

Chrysanthemum, Brookside Gardens IMG_1890

Jan 14, 2014 03:06 AM
Amanda S. Davidson
Amanda Davidson Real Estate Group Brokered By Real - Alexandria, VA
Alexandria Virginia Homes For Sale

Roy, sadly it seems we hear of a child falling through the ice every year. I hope many read you post and take the reminder to heart. It's just not safe to go on ponds here, you never know how strong the ice is.

Jan 14, 2014 04:09 AM
Belinda Spillman
Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado - Aurora, CO
Colorado Living!

Roy,  This is so sad.  This happens frequently out here as well.  Such a waste! 

Jan 14, 2014 04:51 AM
Anita Clark
Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055 - Warner Robins, GA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA

Roy: My heart is broke for the family...it is a tragedy that could have been avoided too!

Jan 14, 2014 06:23 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Roy- you are right, any death of a child is a heartbreak but something like this is tragic.  

Jan 14, 2014 07:04 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Your feedback is much appreciated. I hope you are having a great week.

Jan 14, 2014 08:55 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

It is sometimes a good practice to revisit old blogs and reblogs. We might even find some good ideas for current posts.

Jan 06, 2019 04:22 PM