AVON LAKE, Iowa [KCCI] — A man and a dog were rescued after falling through the ice on a lake in southeastern Polk County, Thursday. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and animal control were dispatched to Avon Lake around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday for a report of a dog that had fallen through the ice. While en route, a second 911 call was made, indicating that a man had gone onto the ice to rescue the dog and had also fallen through the ice. Authorities say a nearby neighbor saw the incident and used a small boat from the shoreline to slide across the ice to the man in the water. The man was unable to get into the boat, but was able to hold on until deputies arrived on scene.

With the help of local citizens and a Carlisle police officer, a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy was able to throw a rope to the man and pull him to the shore. The man was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution, the PCSO said. The dog that had fallen into the water was also found and is OK. Authorities warned residents against walking onto ice in ponds and lakes as the weather warms up, and encourages precautions for pets for those who live near open water.

Firefighters practice ice rescue techniques in southwest Iowa (File photo – Courtesy of the Red Oak Fire Department)

In a separate incident, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died after falling through ice in Linn County Thursday afternoon. KCRG reports 46-year-old Brian Thomas of Marion died after he was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital. The Linn County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to the 8100 block of Chain Lakes Road, near Palo, at about 2:40 p.m. Thursday. First responders found three men on the bank of the lake near. The sheriff’s office said all three had fallen in, two had pulled the third man to the shoreline, but he was unconscious. First responders initiated CPR on Thomas who was unconscious. He was then taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The other two men were taken to the hospital to be treated for hypothermia.Thomas’ remains were taken to the State Laboratory for an official autopsy.