United States Teen Jumps Into Frozen Lake to Save 83-Year-Old Grandfather and Family Dog After Jeep Breaks Through Ice
UNITED STATES — A 17-year-old boy is being credited with a dramatic rescue after jumping into a frozen lake to save his grandfather and the family dog when their vehicle broke through the ice and began sinking.
The incident unfolded when an 83-year-old man’s Jeep became trapped in icy water, leaving both him and his dog stranded inside the rapidly submerging vehicle.
Teen Acted Without Hesitation as Vehicle Sank
According to the account shared alongside images of the rescue, 17-year-old Joe Salmon did not hesitate when he saw his grandfather, identified as Thomas Lee, in danger. Joe jumped chest-deep into the freezing lake, battling icy water and extreme cold to reach the sinking vehicle.
Dog Rescued First as Ice Continued to Break Apart
Joe reportedly smashed the rear window of the Jeep and rescued the family dog, Cooper, first, pulling the animal to safety as the ice continued to crack and shift around the vehicle. Moments later, he returned to help his grandfather escape the vehicle just before it disappeared beneath the frozen surface.
Rescue Completed Seconds Before Vehicle Vanished
Images show the Jeep nearly fully submerged among broken ice, underscoring how little time remained before the rescue window closed entirely. The quick actions of the teenager prevented what could have been a fatal outcome for both his grandfather and the dog.
Courageous Act Draws Widespread Attention
The rescue has since drawn widespread attention online, with many praising the teenager’s bravery and calm decision-making in an extremely dangerous situation. No injuries were reported, and all three — the teenager, his grandfather, and the dog — survived the incident.
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