Indianapolis Fire Department rescues man who fell through ice taking selfie at Butler University pond

Rescue unfolded at a retention pond on Butler’s campus

A 35-year-old man was rescued from a retention pond at Butler University after falling through thin ice while attempting to take a selfie near a working fountain. The Indianapolis Fire Department said the man noticed colorful lights in the fountain while driving by and decided to run toward the water for a photo.

Fire officials said the man parked roughly 60 yards from the street and moved onto the pond area despite open water being visible nearby—an indication that the surface conditions were unstable. When he reached the area close to the fountain, the ice gave way and he fell into water estimated at about 10 feet deep.

Victim used his phone to call 911 while in the water

After breaking through, the man remained at the edge of the ice and kept himself afloat by placing his arms on top of the ice. Fire officials said he was able to call 911 while still holding his phone. The department estimated the man spent about 20 to 25 minutes in the frigid water before being removed.

Butler University police and IFD tactical crew coordinated the extraction

Two Butler University Police officers were the first to arrive. They used a rope bag to secure the man, but officials said they were unable to pull him from the water.

When Indianapolis Fire Department Tactical Team 14 arrived, two water rescue specialists ran to the pond in full protective gear. Fire officials said one rescuer moved onto the ice and entered the opening to reach the man, then secured him using an ice rescue sling. The team pulled him out within about three minutes of their arrival.

Fire officials described the man as “extraordinarily fortunate” to survive the conditions involved.

Hospital status and what the incident shows about winter-water hazards

The man was taken to Methodist Hospital in critical condition and later listed in stable condition, according to fire officials.

The incident highlights several common factors present in cold-water emergencies: unstable ice near open water, rapid loss of strength in low temperatures, and the limited effectiveness of improvised rescue attempts without specialized equipment. In this case, officials said early actions—calling 911 quickly and staying supported at the ice edge—helped keep the victim accessible to rescuers, while the arrival of trained water rescue personnel and the use of an ice rescue sling enabled a rapid, controlled extraction.

• Location: retention pond on Butler University’s campus in Indianapolis
• Situation: ice failure near a fountain during an attempted selfie
• Response: campus police initiated rope assistance; IFD tactical water rescuers completed the extraction
• Outcome: transported to hospital; later reported in stable condition