Carmel, Maine – In a heartbreaking incident, a town manager lost his life after rescuing his 4-year-old son from falling through ice in a local pond. Kevin Howell, 51, and his son were taking a morning walk near Etna Pond when the ice gave way around 6:30 a.m. on Friday. Despite his heroic efforts, Howell was unable to save himself and tragically lost his life.
The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office shared the details of the incident on Facebook, revealing that the pond is located just a third of a mile away from their house. After pulling his son out of the freezing water, Howell instructed the young boy to seek help from his mother. The boy quickly ran home and alerted his mother, who immediately called 911 and rushed to her husband’s aid. Along the way, she grabbed an anchor and rope to assist in the rescue.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck again when Howell’s wife also fell through the ice while attempting to reach him. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to free herself. Upon receiving the distress call, Penobscot Sheriff Detective Jordan Norton arrived at the scene and spotted Howell’s wife in the water. Bravely crawling across the ice and holding onto the rope, Detective Norton managed to pull her to safety. However, Howell himself could not be located.
A team of divers, including six Maine Warden Service divers and one state police diver, was called in to assist in the search. After an intense operation, Howell’s body was found approximately 20 minutes later. The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Kevin Howell served as the town manager of Carmel, Maine, and had been a dedicated member of the community since 2014. Described as an “avid cook” and someone who enjoyed woodworking and outdoor activities, Howell was also actively involved in the state’s Emergency Medical Services as a member of the second EMS Blue Ribbon Commission. His contributions to the development of a regional EMS system were highly valued and appreciated by his colleagues.
Etna Pond, where the incident occurred, spans approximately 361 acres and has a depth of 12 feet. It is worth noting that ice tends to be thinner near outlets and inlets due to the presence of running water.
The tragic loss of Kevin Howell has left a void in the community, and he will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and colleagues. The Maine EMS expressed their condolences and recognized Howell’s dedication to his community and his support for the state’s EMS services.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that icy bodies of water can pose, especially during the winter season. Authorities urge caution and vigilance when venturing onto frozen lakes and ponds. The community is now coming together to support Howell’s family during this difficult time.
